102-Year-Old East Bay D-Day Veteran and TikTok Star 'Papa Jake' Larson Has Died

"Papa Jake" Larson, a 102-year-old veteran of the D-Day invasion, passed away on July 17, leaving a remarkable legacy as a popular TikTok star with 1. 2 million followers. His granddaughter, McKaela Larson, shared his humorous and heartfelt stories of World War II, which resonated with many fans who celebrated his life online. Born on December 20, 1922, Larson enlisted in the National Guard at just 15 years old and played a crucial role in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge and received prestigious accolades, including a Bronze Star and a French Legion of Honor award.

Larson's social media fame resulted in a deluge of birthday cards from fans, thanks to his granddaughter's efforts. His Emmy-winning interview with journalist Christiane Amanpour further solidified his status as a beloved figure. In March, he threw the first pitch at a San Francisco Giants game, showcasing his vibrant spirit. McKaela Larson expressed her gratitude for the love and support from fans in a memorial post, vowing to keep his memory alive.