Jake Larson, a 101-year-old Army veteran and survivor of the D-Day invasion, is preparing to travel to France for the 80th anniversary of the historic event. Originally from Minnesota, Larson joined the National Guard as a teenager before being transferred to the Army V Corps for the D-Day invasion. Larson has gained popularity on TikTok, with over 8.7 million likes, by sharing his stories with younger generations. He is known as “Papa Jake” on the social media platform and is among a dwindling number of World War Two veterans who will be returning to France to honor the brothers-in-arms who did not make it home.
Sitting in his home in Martinez, California, surrounded by photos and mementos from his years in the National Guard and the U.S. Army, Larson can vividly recall the moments from the day he landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He describes himself as “the last man” and remembers carrying 74 pounds of gear in his pack amidst German fire, waves rocking the landing crafts, and a minefield where many were killed. Larson expressed his determination to honor his fallen comrades and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve. He considers himself privileged to be able to share his experiences with younger generations and to keep the memory of those who served alive.
Wearing a black jacket inscribed with “WWII Survivor” and the battles he endured in Europe, Larson is a testament to the bravery and sacrifices made by the soldiers during the war. After serving in the National Guard as a teenager, he was transferred to the Army V Corps where he was assigned to the D-Day invasion. On June 6, 1944, Larson and his unit received the order to jump into the cold waters of the English Channel. Despite facing enemy fire and challenging conditions, he made it onto the beach and found cover behind a small stone berm. Larson recounts a harrowing experience on the beach where he narrowly escaped danger after asking a fellow soldier for a match, only to realize there was no response as the soldier had lost his head.
In addition to his physical journey to France for the anniversary, Larson has also embarked on a digital journey by sharing his stories on TikTok. Under the username @StoryTimeWithPapaJake, he has garnered over 800,000 followers and 8.7 million likes, receiving fan mail and messages of gratitude from his viewers. Despite being called a hero by many, Larson remains humble, stating that he is not a hero but simply someone who is honored to share his experiences and connect with a new generation. His positive attitude and willingness to engage with others have made a lasting impact by changing lives and inspiring individuals to learn more about history and the sacrifices made by those who served in World War Two. With his unique perspective as a survivor of D-Day, Larson continues to preserve the memory of his fallen comrades and ensure that their stories are not forgotten.
