WWII Hero & TikTok Star Jake Larson, affectionately known as “Papa Jake,” has passed away at the age of 102, leaving a powerful legacy that bridges generations through courage, storytelling, and digital connection.
Born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson’s life spanned over a century of change. Yet, through it all, he remained a living monument to the sacrifices and triumphs of World War II. His incredible journey from D-Day survivor to viral internet icon made him a WWII Hero & TikTok Star admired by millions worldwide.
From Country Boy to War Legend
Jake Larson’s military career began in 1938, when he lied about his age to enlist in the National Guard. He was just 15. In 1942, he was deployed overseas and stationed in Northern Ireland. Larson quickly rose through the ranks to become an operations sergeant responsible for assembling the crucial planning books for the invasion of Normandy.
On June 6, 1944 — the historic D-Day — Larson was among the 160,000 Allied soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy. Landing on Omaha Beach under a barrage of German machine-gun fire, he miraculously survived and made it to the bluffs, where so many others perished. His bravery that day earned him not only recognition from the military but the respect of future generations who would come to know him as the WWII Hero & TikTok Star.
Honoring the Fallen
Larson never claimed to be a hero. Speaking at the 81st D-Day anniversary in June 2024, surrounded by the solemn rows of white gravestones at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, he said:
“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.”
This sense of duty and humility was a defining trait of the WWII Hero & TikTok Star. He continued to honor the memories of his fellow soldiers through appearances, speeches, and ultimately, through social media.
Battle of the Bulge and Beyond
Following D-Day, Larson went on to fight in the grueling Battle of the Bulge, which proved to be one of the pivotal moments of the war. His courageous service earned him the Bronze Star and the prestigious French Legion of Honor award.
But perhaps the greatest honor came years later — not from a government, but from the people. From schoolchildren in America to museum curators in Normandy, everyone who met or heard from Larson recognized him as a WWII Hero & TikTok Star who brought history alive through his words and smile.
TikTok Fame in His 100s
In a world obsessed with youth-driven content, it was Larson — a centenarian — who captivated TikTok. Under the handle “Story Time with Papa Jake,” he shared firsthand stories of war, camaraderie, survival, and hope. His mix of humor, warmth, and raw honesty resonated deeply, propelling him to more than 1.2 million followers.
“I’m just a country boy. Now I’m a star on TikTok,” he told the Associated Press in 2023. “I’m a legend! I didn’t plan this, it came about.”
Indeed, this WWII Hero & TikTok Star captured the imagination of generations too young to remember the war but eager to understand it from someone who lived it.
A Beacon of Peace
Even amid the growing attention and fame, Larson remained grounded. In one of his most powerful statements to global leaders in 2024, he said:
“Make peace, not war.”
These words carried profound weight, coming from a man who had witnessed the devastation of global conflict firsthand. His message echoed across platforms and was widely shared by fans and influencers alike, solidifying his role not only as a war veteran but as a voice for peace.
Annual Pilgrimages to Normandy
Even in his later years, Larson made frequent trips to Normandy to attend D-Day commemorations. Each time, he was met with admiration and affection. Locals, tourists, and fellow veterans lined up to take selfies with the WWII Hero & TikTok Star. He always responded with a warm smile and a heartfelt hug.
In 2023, one especially poignant moment unfolded when Larson encountered 99-year-old British veteran Bill Gladden, who had also landed on D-Day. The two men, both survivors of history’s bloodiest battlefront, embraced.
“I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet,” Larson told Gladden.
Lasting Tributes
Papa Jake passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, in Lafayette, California. His granddaughter McKaela Larson shared the news on his social media, writing,
“Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away at 102 years young. He went peacefully.”
Tributes poured in from all corners of the U.S. and Europe. Small towns around Normandy, whose people still revere the Allied forces, mourned the passing of a beloved friend.
“He was an exceptional witness and bearer of memory,” read a tribute from the Overlord Museum in Normandy. “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.”
Keeping the Flame Alive
Larson’s TikTok account remains active as fans post tributes, videos, and memories. His digital legacy ensures that the WWII Hero & TikTok Star will continue to educate and inspire. Teachers use his videos in classrooms. Young people quote his speeches in graduation ceremonies. His message — honor, peace, and gratitude — lives on.
Papa Jake’s journey is a reminder that history is not confined to books. It breathes through the voices of those who lived it. And in Larson’s case, through every TikTok video, every laugh, every story, and every hug, the legacy of a WWII Hero & TikTok Star endures.
A Legend Remembered
From Normandy to Northern California, Jake Larson was not only a soldier — he was a symbol of hope and resilience. As a WWII Hero & TikTok Star, he proved that stories have the power to transcend time, that memory is sacred, and that even in the twilight of life, one can light the way for millions.
In a world where attention is fleeting and fame is often hollow, Papa Jake was the real deal. A soldier. A storyteller. A survivor. A legend.
Rest in peace, Papa Jake — the world salutes you.
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