Join us in building the Papa Jake Statue, a lasting tribute to our veterans. Through community events, peer groups, and volunteer opportunities, your donation helps honor service, sacrifice, and the heroes who gave so much.
Jake Larson, lovingly known as “Papa Jake,” was more than a WWII veteran—he was a living bridge between history and modern-day generations.
A soldier, hero, storyteller, and viral sensation, Papa Jake inspired millions through his courage, humility, and powerful storytelling. His life reminds us that the past is not forgotten—it lives on through those who continue to share it.
And share it is just what we plan to do. Help keep Papa Jake's memory alive with an Honor and Care Brick!
Jake Larson was born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1938 at just 15 years old—lying about his age to serve his country.
-Served in the 34th Infantry Division and later in V Corps G3, where he earned “BIGOT” clearance, a classification even above Top Secret.
-Played a crucial role in planning the D‑Day landings at Omaha Beach.
-Survived six major WWII battles unscathed: Omaha Beach (D‑Day) Saint-Lô Falaise Gap Paris liberation Luxembourg Battle of the Bulge
For his courage and service, he was awarded: -The Bronze Star for his D-Day planning -France’s Légion d’honneur, the country’s highest honor
Awards, Honors & Public Appearances
Papa Jake’s life and service continued to be celebrated in his later years:
June 2025: Won a News & Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Live Interview – Short Form for his heartfelt CNN interview with Christiane Amanpour
Celebrated by Disneyland on his 102nd birthday:
Named an honorary citizen
Granted a lifetime free pass and recognized during a special celebration
Since 2019, Best Defense Foundation in partnership withDelta Air Lines has flown him to Normandy each year for D‑Day ceremonies, treating him as the living hero he was.
Documentary, Legacy & Cultural Impact
Papa Jake’s influence reached beyond awards and interviews:
Featured in the Tribeca Film Festival documentary “Why We Dream” (premiered June 6, 2025), chronicling centenarian veterans' return to Normand.
Co-authored the memoir The Luckiest Man in the World, capturing his incredible life.
Despite his heroism, he always said:
“I’m not a hero… they are the real heroes,” paying tribute to his fallen brothers-in-arms.
Social Media & Public Recognition
In his later years, Papa Jake found new fame as a viral social media figure:
Known as “Storytime with Papa Jake” on TikTok
Amassed over 1.2 million followers, captivating the world with personal war stories and life lessons
His storytelling reached a global audience, helping younger generations connect with WWII history through a modern platform
Get Support
In Partnership with the Best Defense Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on helping our military veterans and their families.
Support the Papa Jake Statue Project — a cause honoring veterans through community events, peer groups, and volunteer opportunities. Donate today to stand with our heroes.
Normandy 81st Anniversary Battlefield Return Program 2025
WWII heroes returned to the shores of Normandy for the 81st Anniversary of D-Day. Their footsteps remind us that freedom was not just won, it was passed down, a living legacy carried by each veteran. With our presenting partner, Delta Air Lines, and supporting sponsor, Michelin, the Best Defense Foundation brought these heroes back to the very ground where history was made. This is more than a remembrance; it is about ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations. Watch the official Battlefield Return to Normandy video now. Honor their sacrifice. Carry their story. Continue the legacy.
'Papa Jake' Larson – The Luckiest Man in the World, A Hero Who Bridged History and Generations
Help Build the Monument, Honor a Hero – Buy a Brick for Papa Jake
From his humble beginnings on a cold December day on a farm without electricity or running water to the shores of Omaha Beach, the spirit of 98-year-old Jake Larson comes to life. Jake invites you inside his unique world, beginning with the harsh realities of daily farm life during The Depression. His loving mother and arms-length father were forced to sell moonshine to subsidize their meager farming profits. He traces his childhood years to high school as the only graduate in the family.Jake outlines his time in the service during The Second World War. From lying about his age at 15 enlisting in the National Guard, to his rare experience moving ranks from the lowest infantry soldier to G3 V Corps. He recalls how he escapes near-death experiences showing us what his daily existence was like and why he is indeed the luckiest man in the world. His story further follows his after-war life and “luck” situations bringing him to the love of his life Lola, moving to California, starting a family, and finding his dream home of today. Jake recalls his medical miracles, from a fall that miraculously removes his 50-year posttraumatic stress disorder shakes, and an operation that eradicates his color-blindness. He chronicles his retirement life to his trips returning overseas for the 75th Anniversaries of D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. Jake brings us to the present day with how during a pandemic he became a TikTok sensation, sharing his stories to people around the world. His inspiring story, written in a simple, no-nonsense manner infused with humor and honestly, will captivate you with his sincerity and sense of appreciation for all his blessings. Jake’s subtle sense of self defines him and causes him to stand out as an extraordinary ordinary man.