A 102-year-old World War II veteran becomes a tiktok feeling that shares war stories
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The 102-year-old World War II veteran has become a viral sensation of Tiktok, sharing his experiences in wartime stories.
Jake Larson, aka “Papa Jake,” spoke with Fox News Digital Serving the country He shared what Independence Day means to him. (See the video at the top of this article.)
Larson of Lafayette, California, raided Omaha Beach on D-Day and then fought six battles during World War II at the Battle of the Bulge.
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He was born in Owatona, Minnesota National Guard In 1938, at age 15, and lied about his age.
“I was grateful for my independence by growing up on a farm during depression without electricity, running water and money. and freedom I have it today,” Larson said.
California World War II veteran Jake Larson (102) shared his experience assaulting Omaha Beach on D-Day. (Fox News Digital)
He was 18 when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Larson joked, “I didn’t even know that Pearl Harbor existed.”
rear Pearl HarborLarson spent three years in Europe.
“I just came from the infantry. I was involved in the D-Day plan. I was involved in the D-Day plan… I landed in Omaha Beach and that night I was responsible for Omaha Beach,” he said.
Jake Larson, aka “Pape Jake,” has become the feeling of Tiktok, with over 1.2 million followers. (Papa Jake/Tictok)
Larson said he was assigned to G3 night shifts and continued this duty throughout the uplifting battle.
On D-Day he was out in the water up to his chin. His rifle On his head.
“I’m drawing eight rounds and I’m holding it over my head so I don’t get the ammunition wet,” he said.
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“But we were even more afraid of the small arms we received from the coast.”
He added, “They are shooting you from the shore, you’re walking through a landmine. This is incredible.”
Jake Larson fought six battles. On d-day he said he was out into the water up to his chin carrying his rifle above his head. (Papa Jake/Tictok)
He added, “The most incredible part of that is that I came to six of these events without scratching.”
According to US statistics, of the 16.4 million Americans who worked in World War II, approximately 66,143 were alive as of 2024. Veterans Affairs Bureau.
“At the beginning of World War II, England and Ireland were full. American soldiers I will fight with them for the freedom of the whole world,” Larson said.
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Book Author “The world’s lucky man,” Larson also spoke of his gratitude to those who paid his country the ultimate service.
“Their souls look down at me now. Every time I speak, I want to remind people that they look down at us and that they are heroes,” he told Fox News Digital. “I’m just working there.”
Larson told Fox News Digital July 4th is a special time to look back on family and freedom. (AP Photo/John Lester)
“I don’t think any of us ever thought we would be heroes. We didn’t go there to be heroes. We went from Europe to kick Hitler (ass).”
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He added, “And we did it. We did it!”
Larson told Fox News Digital that July 4th is a special time for him to reflect. About the family And freedom.
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“when July 4th We come every year and think about how lucky we are to all of us in this country. In this country we don’t care where you came from. We are all Americans. If you fight for our freedom in America, you are American. ”