Papa Jake Larson

Papa Jake Larson – The Luckiest Man in the World

This project celebrates the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Jake “Papa Jake” Larson (1922–2025), a World War II veteran, decorated soldier, storyteller, and viral inspiration whose voice kept the memory of the Greatest Generation alive for millions worldwide.

A Soldier’s Story:

At just 15 years old, Larson lied about his age to enlist in the National Guard in 1938. By the age of 21, he had earned “BIGOT” clearance, a classification above Top Secret, to help plan the Allied invasion of Normandy. As part of V Corps G3, he contributed directly to the planning of D-Day and stormed Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, surviving against impossible odds. Over the course of the war, Larson fought in six major campaigns—Omaha Beach, Saint-Lô, the Falaise Gap, Paris liberation, Luxembourg, and the Battle of the Bulge—emerging unscathed. For his service, he received the Bronze Star and was later honored with France’s Légion d’honneur.

A Modern Voice of History:

Decades later, “Papa Jake” became a household name through TikTok, where his account Storytime with Papa Jake amassed over 1.2 million followers. With humor, humility, and honesty, he shared firsthand accounts of war, reflections on life, and messages of gratitude that resonated across generations. His mantra—“I’m not a hero, the real heroes are the ones who didn’t come home”—remained a guiding theme throughout his storytelling.

Recognition & Legacy:

Larson’s contributions extended far beyond the battlefield. In 2025, he won a News & Documentary Emmy Award for his CNN interview with Christiane Amanpour, cementing his role as one of the last great living witnesses of WWII history. That same year, he was honored as an honorary citizen of Disneyland, receiving a lifetime pass during his 102nd birthday celebration. Since 2019 the Best Defense Foundation, in partnership with Delta Airlines, have flown him to Normandy.

Cultural Impact:

Papa Jake’s story reached new audiences through the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival documentary, Why We Dream, which follows centenarian WWII veterans on their emotional return to Normandy. Set to stream on Netflix in 2026 and aboard Delta flights, the film ensures Larson’s story will inspire generations to come. His memoir, The Luckiest Man in the World, remains a personal and historical testament to courage, survival, and gratitude.

Enduring Inspiration:

Through his military service, storytelling, and digital presence, Jake Larson bridged the past and present, bringing WWII history into the lives of millions in a way that was both deeply personal and universally inspiring. Though the world has lost a national treasure, his legacy lives on—in classrooms, documentaries, social media feeds, and the hearts of all who listened.

Papa Jake embodied resilience, humility, and hope—proving that even in the darkest chapters of history, the light of humanity can endure.

If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected]