D-Day Veteran, TikTok Star Papa Jake Dies at 102

Jake Larson, a World War II D-Day veteran and TikTok sensation known as 'Papa Jake,' has died peacefully at the age of 102. Enlisting in the National Guard at just 15 by lying about his age, Larson was among the Allied troops who stormed Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, an event he recalled vividly in interviews, including one with CNN's Christiane Amanpour. Despite his significant role, Larson humbly viewed himself as one among many who fought against Nazi occupation. In recent years, he gained over 1 million followers on TikTok, sharing stories of his wartime experiences and honoring fallen comrades, endearing himself to a new generation. His granddaughter announced his passing, noting he was cracking jokes until the end, while Larson himself expressed pride in helping defeat the Nazi regime. Just weeks before his death, he celebrated winning an Emmy for his interview with Amanpour, a testament to his enduring impact in sharing history.