The American war veteran, known online as “Papa Jake” and followed by over 1.2 million people on TikTok, has passed away at the age of 102. Jake Larson, who captivated young and old with the stories of his experiences, died peacefully on July 17, according to a statement from his granddaughter, McKaela Larson. Despite this loss, Larson was known for his sense of humor up until the end, a trait that made him loved by his fans.
Larson, a self-described Minnesota farm boy, was born in 1922. At the age of 15, he enlisted in the National Guard by lying about his age and later served in Northern Ireland. He was involved in the planning for the invasion of Normandy and later served as one of the nearly 160,000 Allied troops who stormed the Normandy beaches on D-Day in 1944. He survived machine gunfire, demonstrating the resilience that characterized his time during the war.
He had been awarded the Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honour for his service, and recently won an Emmy for his interview marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day with British-Iranian journalist Christiane Amanpour.
Larson expressed awe at his rise to fame, stating he was not expecting the attention he received and calling it a “legend” he did not plan for. Despite his success on TikTok, he remained grounded and known for his humble personality.
In the aftermath of his death, many across the United States and in Normandy have paid their respects to “Papa Jake,” acknowledging his legacy and the impact he had on their lives. His granddaughter has requested privacy for the family but plans to keep his memory alive by sharing his stories.
Larson’s journey from a simple life in Minnesota to becoming a beloved figure on social media, while keeping his time during WWII at the foreground of his identity, serves as an inspiration. His legacy as a storyteller, veteran, and TikTok personality is one that will be remembered fondly by those who admired him.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/papa-jake-larson-tiktok-star-and-wwii-vet-dies-at-102/a-73345565?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
