102-Year-Old WWII Veteran Papa Jake Goes Viral with D-Day Stories and Love for America

At 102, World War II veteran Jake Larson, known as Papa Jake, has captured hearts on TikTok with his vivid wartime tales and reflections on American freedom. Hailing from Lafayette, California, Larson’s journey began on a Minnesota farm during the Great Depression, where he enlisted in the National Guard at just 15—fibbing about his age to serve his country.

Larson stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day, wading through chin-deep water with his rifle held high to keep ammunition dry, all while dodging enemy fire and landmines. He played a key role in planning D-Day and later took charge of Omaha Beach’s night operations. Miraculously, he emerged from six major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge, without a scratch. “I didn’t go to be a hero,” he says, “I went to kick Hitler’s butt out of Europe—and we did it!”

Reflecting on Independence Day, Larson emphasizes gratitude for America’s freedoms. “This country doesn’t care where you came from,” he told WTFNewsRoom. “If you fight for our freedoms, you’re an American.” With only 66,143 of the 16.4 million WWII veterans still alive in 2024, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Larson honors the fallen as the true heroes, humbly noting he was just doing his job.

Author of The Luckiest Man in the World, Larson’s story is one of resilience and patriotism, reminding us to cherish the liberties we often take for granted.