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The Star
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Jake Larson, US WWII veteran with 1.2 million TikTok followers, dies at 102
He became an unexpected social media star when his granddaughter opened a TikTok account in his name. Photo: Jake Larson/Instagram Jake Larson, a World War II veteran who had over 1.2 million followers on TikTok, has died at the age of 102, as announced by his granddaughter on social media. Affectionately known online as "Papa Jake," Larson helped plan the Normandy landings and stormed Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. He became an unexpected social media star when his granddaughter opened a TikTok account in his name, followed by his autobiography. "Our beloved Papa Jake passed away on July 17th at the age of 102. Please know that he went peacefully and continued to make jokes until the very end," his granddaughter, McKaela Larson, wrote on Instagram. "At this time, my family and I are asking for some privacy as we process this loss." "I am so grateful that I got to share my Papa Jake with all of you. You were the world to him. When the time is right, I will continue to share Papa Jake's stories and keep his memory alive," she added. "We appreciate all of your kind words and posts. As Papa would say, I love you a bushel and a peck." Born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson grew up on a farm without electricity or running water during the Great Depression. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1938 at the age of 15, lying about his age, according to the Best Defense Foundation. His unit was transferred to federal service in 1941 following Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In January 1942, he was sent overseas and stationed in Northern Ireland. He became an operations sergeant and prepared plans for Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy. Larson was among the Allied troops who stormed the Normandy coast on June 6, 1944, surviving machine-gun fire as he landed on Omaha Beach. He made it unscathed to the bluffs overlooking the beach, then littered with German artillery positions that mowed down American soldiers. After D-Day, he fought during the Battle of the Bulge. He and his beloved Lola later settled in California, where they raised a family after the war. In 2020, his granddaughter started a TikTok account, "storytimewithpapajake," through which he amassed online fame. In 2021, he wrote an autobiography titled The Luckiest Man Alive: Stories From Papa Jake's Life . Larson returned to Normandy for several commemorative celebrations and for the anniversary of D-Day in recent years. – Adnkronos International/Tribune News Service
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First Post
2 days 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
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
TikTok star with millions of followers who stormed D-Day beaches dies aged 102
Becoming a sensation on TikTok, World War Two veteran Jake Larson, also known as Papa Jake, who avoided machine gun fire when storming the beach on D-Day, has died aged 102 A much-loved World War Two veteran turned social media star who gathered more than a million followers has died aged 102. Tributes from around the world have flooded in for Jake Larson, best known as Papa Jake, after his granddaughter McKaela Larson broke the news on TikTok. Uploading the post on Saturday, July 18, she wrote: 'Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young. He went peacefully and was even cracking jokes 'til the very end.' 'I am so thankful to have shared my Papa Jake with you all. You meant the world to him. When the time is right, I will continue to share Papa Jake's stories and keep his memory alive. We appreciate all the kind words and posts. As Papa would say, love you all the mostest.' In January 1942, he was sent overseas and was stationed in Northern Ireland, where he was promoted to operations sergeant and became a part of the planning for Operation Overlord - the D-Day landings. Jake was then among the Allied troops on the day who stormed the beaches of France in 1944, surviving machine-gun fire when he landed on Omaha Beach before attacking the Nazi German forces and helping to end the war a year later. Speaking to the Associated Press last month for the D-Day anniversary, Jake said:" We are the lucky ones. They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honour these guys who gave us a chance to be alive." In the years that followed, he'd head back to t hose beaches in Normandy on several occasions, always embracing fellow veterans commemorating those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. However, more than 80 years later, the Minnesota native, born December 20, 1922, embraced the digital era, where he managed to capture the hearts of a whole new generation. Creating videos about Memorial Day celebrations, stories from World War Two, and even a trip to Disney Land, the veterans' videos have been viewed tens of millions of times. He worked with his granddaughter to make many of the videos, with Jake having previously said: "I didn't even know what TikTok was until my granddaughter sent it to me one day," Jake Larson said when asked about the app. Just three weeks ago, Papa Jake achieved another accolade, co-winning an Emmy Award with journalist Christiane Amanpour for a captivating interview they conducted marking last year's 80th anniversary of D-Day. After the news broke of his passing, Christiane posted: 'So sorry to hear this. They really don't make them like Jake Larson anymore. The sacrifices he made with his Band of Brothers in WWII, and the joy he lived throughout his long life, offer an example to us all. RIP' While Normandy's Overlord Museum wrote: ' Papa Jake was more than a soldier – he was an extraordinary witness and a messenger of remembrance.'
Times
21-06-2025
- General
- Times
From music to politics: week in pictures, Scotland — June 7, 2025
Veterans gathered in Normandy on Friday to mark the 81st anniversary of Operation Overlord, a pivotal moment that led to the end of the Second World War. Yves Holbecq, with the Somme Battlefield Pipe Band, played the bagpipes on the beach at sunrise. The group aims to promote the music and history of Scottish soldiers during their time fighting in France. Veterans and onlookers gathered along the coastline to watch the flyovers, ceremonies, parades, reenactments and commemorations. More than 4,000 Allied troops were killed on D-Day in 1944. For more pictures from The Times, follow us on Instagram
CTV News
08-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Local brewery commemorates D-Day with Canadian Navy sailors
A local brewery in Regina is honouring the anniversary of D-Day through a monthly longstanding tradition of theirs – First Firkin Friday. 'We have never had a military promotion at First Firkin Friday before. This was a first,' said Grant Frew, bar and marketing manager at Bushwakker Brewpub. The event introduces a new craft beer every month in an effort to bring the community together and celebrate a milestone. On June 6, a Royal Canadian Navy in Regina - HMCS Queen – participated in the occasion to help commemorate D-Day – which is considered the largest combined land, sea and air invasion in history and marked the beginning of the end of the Second World War in Europe. 'Today is a special commemorative edition of First Firkin Friday where are acknowledging the D-Day efforts of the Allied Forces 81 years ago today,' explained Frew. 'We are very excited to have members of HMCS Queen here to help commemorate that event. We produced a very special beer involving our Regina Pale Ale, Toasted Oak, and sailors really liked their rum so Pusser's Navy Rum was also part of this special beer we created today.' As the Regina Rifles played an instrumental role as part of Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944, one current sailor of HMCS Queen said it is critical to honour the history of those who served, collaboratively. 'The Navy is the community. That's where our people come from, that's where we recruit from,' said Tyrel Beler. 'It's very important that we have close ties with the community to better foster our relations between us so we can continue to exist and help our people out.' HMCS Queen Commanding Officer Aaron Kaytor also shared the importance of paying tribute to the Canadian Navy on the commemorative day. 'It may not be as acknowledged as those brave soldiers who stormed the beaches, but over 100 Canadian ships participated that day or somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 Canadian sailors,' shared Kaytor. 'They participated in mine clearance landings, shore bombardment, as well as escort duty, and without them, those soldiers may have not have made it all the way to the beach so they could do their duty.' Although this is the first time a military unit participated in Bushwakker's firkin Friday event, it will not be the last time sailors visit the brewery, as a model of the HMCS Regina ship will be unveiled later this year. 'There was a small number of modelers who are currently serving members of the current HMCS Regina who have created a model of a previous HMCS Regina and are donating it to the Bushwakker,' explained Kaytor. 'What we've arranged is for that ship model to be presented here sometime in August. I don't have the exact date yet. It's going to be coinciding with a namesake city visit where we have eight to 12 members of the crew of HMCS Regina who will fly to Regina, Saskatchewan and present the model at that event.' The HMCS Queen and the Royal Canadian Navy has been present in Regina for the last 100 years, having first been established in 1923. - With files from Gareth Dillistone
