Jake Larson, known as 'Papa Jake,' passed away at the age of 102, leaving behind a legacy of captivating storytelling on TikTok. He was born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, and enlisted in the National Guard at the age of 15. Larson served as operations sergeant in WWII and played a significant role in the Normandy invasion. Recognized with the Bronze Star and French Legion of Honour, Larson shared war stories that mixed humor and somber reminders. His granddaughter confirmed his peaceful passing, filled with jokes until the end.
"We are the lucky ones. They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive."
"I'm just a country boy. Now I'm a star on TikTok. I'm a legend! I didn't plan this, it came about."
Jake Larson captivated followers with humor and stories of his WWII experiences, blending light-hearted anecdotes with somber reflections on the horrors of war.
He was awarded the Bronze Star and French Legion of Honour for his service, and he survived machine gunfire on D-Day at Omaha Beach.
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