Latest news with #Larson
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First Post
2 hours ago
- General
- First Post
Who was Papa Jake Larson, the 102-year-old WWII hero and TikTok star who inspired millions?
Jake 'Papa Jake' Larson, a decorated World War II veteran and D-Day survivor who became a TikTok sensation in his 90s, has died at 102. From storming Omaha Beach in 1944 to sharing wartime stories with 1.2 million followers online, Larson's extraordinary life bridged generations and preserved the memory of one of history's most pivotal eras read more World War II veteran Jake Larson meets youths during ceremonies at the US cemetery to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings, on June 6, 2025 in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France. File Image/AP Jake Melvin Larson, widely known as 'Papa Jake' on TikTok and revered globally as a decorated World War II veteran and D-Day survivor, passed away last week (July 17, 2025), at the age of 102. From a Minnesota farm boy who enlisted underage to a Bronze Star recipient and later an internet sensation in his late 90s, Papa Jake's life spanned not only decades of personal courage and national history but also a digital bridge to younger generations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Announced by his granddaughter McKaela Larson through a social media post, his passing sparked tributes from across the United States and towns in France, especially in Normandy, where Larson had long been welcomed as a cherished guest and war hero. He had spent the last years of his life living in Lafayette, California. Jake Larson, known as 'Papa Jake' had gained 1.2 million followers on TikTok by sharing war stories. File Image/AFP 'Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young,' McKaela wrote. 'He went peacefully.' 'I am so thankful to have shared my Papa Jake with you all. You meant the world to him,' she added. 'As Papa would say, love you all the mostest.' From a farm boy to a war hero Jake Larson was born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, and raised in the nearby community of Hope. In 1938, at just 15 years old, he enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard by falsely claiming he was of legal age. Assigned to the US Army's 135th Infantry Regiment in the 34th Infantry Division — known as the 'Red Bull' — Larson embarked on a military career that would define much of the 20th century's pivotal moments. By 1942, he was deployed overseas to Northern Ireland, where he rose to the role of operations sergeant. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In this capacity, he played a behind-the-scenes yet critical role in planning the Allied invasion of Normandy, compiling operational materials for what would become the largest amphibious military assault in history: Operation Overlord. Papa Jake during D-Day & WWII On June 6, 1944, Larson was among approximately 160,000 Allied troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day landings. Assigned to Omaha Beach, he was one of 34,000 US soldiers to engage in the bloody assault that day. Machine gun fire from fortified German positions made the beach one of the most perilous fronts, claiming over 2,400 American lives. Larson was one of the few to reach the bluffs overlooking the beach unharmed. In this photo taken April 29, 2019, D-Day veteran Jake Larson poses before going for a ride in the 'The Spirit of Benovia' World War II-era aircraft in Oakland, California, US. File Image/AP In a recollection shared through a US Army video posted in June, he described the chaos and fear that defined those hours: 'It seemed like that the landing was an eternity, with all the firing going on…. I can't describe it. And people say, 'Were you scared?' I was scared of stepping on a landmine, and that's what I was trying to prevent.' 'I was 5 foot 7 at that time. I weighed 120 pounds and I said, 'Thank God the Germans aren't good at shooting at toothpicks',' he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Larson went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge — the last major German offensive on the Western Front — enduring a month of intense winter warfare across Belgium and Luxembourg. His actions during the war earned him numerous honours, including the Bronze Star Medal from the US Army and the French Legion of Honour, France's highest civilian and military award. Despite his accolades, Larson never saw himself as a hero. 'We are the lucky ones,' he told AP at the 81st D-Day commemoration in June, while standing among the headstones at the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach. 'They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honour these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.' Post-war life for Papa Jake Following his discharge from military service in 1945, Larson returned home and later married Lola Cassem. Their marriage lasted until her death in 1991. In the decades that followed, he built a quiet life for himself, largely out of the spotlight, until his unexpected rise to social media fame in the twilight of his life. In 2020, with assistance from his granddaughter, Larson launched a TikTok account — @storytimewithpapajake — where he began sharing stories of his war experiences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The platform, initially foreign to many of his generation, soon turned him into a viral figure. In this photo taken April 29, 2019, D-Day veteran Jake Larson walks to a seat before going for a ride in the 'The Spirit of Benovia' WWII-era aircraft in Oakland, California, US. File Image/AP By 2025, he had amassed over 1.2 million followers and more than 11 million likes. His popularity extended to YouTube as well, where he gained more than 16,000 subscribers. His videos — a mix of candid reflections, historical commentary, and humour — became a medium through which millions learned about the human costs and moral weight of the Second World War. 'I'm just a country boy. Now I'm a star on TikTok,' he told AP in 2023. 'I'm a legend! I didn't plan this, it came about.' In 2021, he published a memoir titled The Luckiest Man in the World: Stories from the Life of Papa Jake, a nod to how he often described himself — not for having survived the war, but for having the opportunity to share his life and honour his fallen comrades. Papa Jake's legacy Larson's presence was a mainstay at international memorial events, particularly in Normandy, where he was deeply respected. From schoolchildren to museum curators, he was warmly welcomed during his visits. The Overlord Museum in France — dedicated to preserving the memory of D-Day — posted a tribute that described him as 'an exceptional witness and bearer of memory,' recalling his humility, storytelling, and warm smile that touched visitors of all ages. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even in his final years, he remained active and engaged with his audience. In 2023, during a commemorative visit to France, he met with 99-year-old British veteran Bill Gladden, who had landed in a glider on D-Day and been wounded by gunfire. Their emotional exchange — hands clasped, tears in their eyes — became a moment widely shared online. 'I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet,' Larson told Gladden. Gladden passed away the following year. Papa Jake's contributions to preserving World War II history were recognised by international media as well. In June, he and CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour were jointly awarded a News and Documentary Emmy for their live interview during the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Though his fame came unexpectedly and late in life, Larson used it to promote remembrance, compassion, and peace. 'Make peace not war,' he said during an interview — a sentiment that resonated deeply with his global audience. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US veteran SSgt. Jake M Larson talks to a girl who wears an American flag around her neck during a gathering in preparation of the 79th D-Day anniversary in La Fiere, Normandy, France, June 4, 2023. File Image/AP His storytelling was never just about reminiscing; it was about accountability, memory, and ensuring that history — especially its darkest moments — would not be forgotten. Following his death, tributes poured in not only from followers across the United States but from towns and institutions in France that had long considered him part of their shared historical heritage. The official tourism page for Normandy stated that he 'will never be forgotten.' His granddaughter has expressed her intent to keep his memory alive through continued storytelling: 'When the time is right, I will continue to share Papa Jake's stories and keep his memory alive.' Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
Fox News
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Fox News
Denny Hamlin Survives Rain Delay, Overtime Finish to Win Again at Dover
Denny Hamlin went back-to-back at Dover Motor Speedway, holding a late lead through a rain delay and an overtime finish Sunday for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver's series-best fourth victory of the season. Hamlin won in the No. 11 Toyota for the second straight time at Dover to add to wins this season at Martinsville, Darlington and Michigan. Hamlin has 58 NASCAR Cup Series victories, leaving him two short of Kevin Harvick for 10th on the career list. The 44-year-old Virginia driver might hit that mark this season as he chases his first career Cup championship. "Winning here at Dover is super special to me," Hamlin said. "This is a place that I've not been very good at the first half of my career. To go back-to-back here the last two years is amazing." Hamlin took the checkered flag days after he suffered a setback in court with his own 23XI Racing team's federal antitrust suit against NASCAR. On Thursday, a federal judge rejected a request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to continue racing with charters while they battle NASCAR in court, meaning their six cars will race as open entries this weekend at Dover, next week at Indianapolis and perhaps longer than that, in a move the teams say would put them at risk of going out of business. Hamlin vowed this weekend "all will be exposed" if the case goes to its scheduled Dec. 1 trial date. The courtroom drama hasn't affected Hamlin's performance on the track. Hamlin held off JGR teammate Chase Briscoe for the victory. Hendrick Motorsports drivers took the next two spots, with Alex Bowman third and Kyle Larson fourth. Hamlin held off Larson down the stretch last season to earn the second of his three career wins at the Monster Mile. The first July Cup race at Dover since 1969 started with steamy weather and drivers battled the conditions inside the car during a relatively clean race until rain fell late and red-flagged the race with 14 laps left. Hamlin said that during the break he planned to change his firesuit — temperatures inside the car soared to 140 degrees. He also returned to the car after the 56-minute delay with old tires. Hamlin had enough to win at Dover and park the Toyota in victory lane. "We've got a lot left," Hamlin said. Up next, it's off to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Larson won last season on the oval after a four-year break on the road course. Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Time of India
4 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
'Luckiest man in the world': WW2 veteran and TikTok icon Papa Jake dies at 102; fans pour in heartfelt tributes
D-Day veteran Jake Larson, fondly known online as 'Papa Jake', has died at the age of 102. A survivor of the 1944 Normandy landings, he later gained 1.2 million followers on TikTok by sharing heartfelt stories about World War II and his fallen comrades. Larson passed away peacefully on 17 July, his granddaughter McKaela Larson confirmed in a social media post. 'Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young,' she wrote. 'As Papa would say, love you all the mostest.' She also added that he was 'cracking jokes til the end.' Tributes poured in across the United States and from towns in Normandy, where his memory remains cherished for helping liberate the region from Nazi occupation. Messages flooded his 'Story Time with Papa Jake' TikTok account, celebrating a man who had become a beloved figure to people of all ages. Born on 20 December 1922 in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson enlisted in the National Guard in 1938, lying about his age as he was only 15. By 1942, he had been sent overseas and stationed in Northern Ireland. He later became an operations sergeant, helping assemble planning materials for the Normandy invasion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Larson landed on Omaha Beach as part of the massive Allied invasion. He survived German machine-gun fire and made it unscathed to the bluffs above the beach, then lined with enemy gun positions that had claimed the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. Speaking at the 81st anniversary of D-Day in June, Larson reflected on the sacrifices made: 'We are the lucky ones.' 'We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.' He went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge, a key conflict in Belgium and Luxembourg that contributed to the defeat of Nazi Germany. His bravery earned him a Bronze Star and France's Legion of Honour. In his later years, Larson became a regular presence at D-Day commemorations in Normandy, where he was warmly welcomed by locals and tourists alike. He was often seen posing for selfies and giving out his signature warm hugs. In 2023, he shared a moving moment with fellow D-Day veteran Bill Gladden, a 99-year-old British soldier who had survived a glider landing and a serious bullet wound. 'I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet,' Larson told Gladden. The pair held hands, their shared bond and years etched into their skin. Gladden died the following year. Through his TikTok videos and interviews, Larson mixed humour with poignant messages about the realities of war. Reflecting on his time in Europe, he once said, 'I'm no hero.' In a message to world leaders in 2024, he urged: 'Make peace, not war.' He used to call himself 'the luckiest man in the world,' and adored all the attention he was getting. 'I'm just a country boy. Now I'm a star on TikTok,' he told AP in 2023. "I'm a legend! I didn't plan this, it came about.' Museums and historical groups across Normandy also paid tribute. The Overlord Museum, which honours D-Day history, wrote on Facebook, 'He was an exceptional witness and bearer of memory." "He came every year to the museum, with his smile, his humility and his tales that touched all generations. His stories will continue to live. Rest in peace Papa Jake,' it added.
NDTV
4 hours ago
- General
- NDTV
102-Year-Old World War II Veteran And TikTok Star 'Papa Jake' Larson Dies
Paris: D-Day veteran "Papa Jake" Larson, who survived German gunfire on Normandy's bluffs in 1944 and then garnered 1.2 million followers on TikTok late in life by sharing stories to commemorate World War II and his fallen comrades, has died at 102. An animated speaker who charmed strangers young and old with his quick smile and generous hugs, the self-described country boy from Minnesota was ''cracking jokes til the end,'' his granddaughter wrote in announcing his death. Tributes to him quickly filled his "Story Time with Papa Jake" TikTok account from across the United States, where he had been living in Lafayette, California. Towns around Normandy, still grateful to Allied forces who helped defeat the occupying Nazis in World War II, paid him homage too. "Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young," granddaughter McKaela Larson posted on his social media accounts. "He went peacefully." "As Papa would say, love you all the mostest," she wrote. Born Dec. 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson enlisted in the National Guard in 1938, lying about his age since he was only 15 at the time. In 1942, he was sent overseas and was stationed in Northern Ireland. He became operations sergeant and assembled the planning books for the invasion of Normandy. He was among the nearly 160,000 Allied troops who rushed in the Normandy shore on D-Day, June 6, 1944, surviving machine-gun fire when he landed on Omaha Beach. He made it unhurt to the bluffs that overlook the beach, then studded with German gun emplacements that mowed down American soldiers. "We are the lucky ones," Larson told The Associated Press at the 81st anniversary of D-Day in June, speaking amid the immaculate rows of graves at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. "We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive." He went on to fight through the Battle of the Bulge, a grueling month-long fight in Belgium and Luxembourg that was one of the defining moments of the war and of Hitler's defeat. His service earned him a Bronze Star and a French Legion of Honor award. In recent years, Larson made repeated trips to Normandy for D-Day commemorations - and at every stop, "Papa Jake" was greeted by people asking for a selfie. In return, he offered up a big hug, to their greatest joy. One memorable encounter came in 2023, when he came across Bill Gladden, a then-99-year-old British veteran who survived a glider landing on D-Day and a bullet that tore through his ankle. "I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet," Larson told Gladden, as their hands, lined and spotted with age, clasped tightly. Gladden died the following year. In his TikTok posts and interviews, Larson combined humorous anecdotes with somber reminders about the horrors of war. Reflecting to AP on the three years he was in Europe, Larson said he is "no hero." Speaking in 2024, he also had a message to world leaders: "Make peace not war." He often called himself "the luckiest man in the world," and expressed awe at all the attention he was getting. "I'm just a country boy. Now I'm a star on TikTok," he told AP in 2023. "I'm a legend! I didn't plan this, it came about." Small-town museums and groups around Normandy that work to honor D-Day's heroes and fallen shared tributes online to Larson, one of their most loyal visitors. "He was an exceptional witness and bearer of memory," the Overlord Museum posted on Facebook. "He came every year to the museum, with his smile, his humility and his tales that touched all generations. His stories will continue to live. Rest in peace Papa Jake," it read. "Thanks for everything."
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
D-Day veteran and TikTok star Papa Jake Larson dies at 102
Jake 'Papa Jake' Larson, a World War II veteran and beloved TikTok personality who brought stories of wartime courage to a new generation, died on July 17 at the age of 102, according to his family. Larson, who gained over 1.2 million followers on TikTok through his 'Story Time with Papa Jake' account, passed away peacefully, his granddaughter McKaela Larson announced on social media. 'As Papa would say, love you all the mostest,' she wrote. Born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson enlisted in the National Guard at age 15 by lying about his age. He served in Northern Ireland before becoming an operations sergeant responsible for assembling planning materials for the D-Day invasion. On June 6, 1944, he landed on Omaha Beach under heavy machine-gun fire and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge. His wartime service earned him the Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor. Decades after the war, Larson found a new way to connect with others—this time through social media. His TikTok posts blended humorous anecdotes with solemn reflections on the horrors of war and the sacrifices of his fellow soldiers. 'We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive,' he told the Associated Press at the 81st anniversary of D-Day in June. He frequently returned to Normandy, where he was greeted with open arms by locals and visitors alike. After his passing, tributes poured in from across the U.S. and France. The Overlord Museum called him 'an exceptional witness and bearer of memory,' vowing that his stories will live on.
