D-Day veteran and TikTok star Papa Jake Larson dies at 102

D-Day hero and viral TikTok storyteller Jake Larson, known as Papa Jake, dies at 102 after inspiring millions.

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.