Papa Jake

Jake Melvin Larson, widely recognized as Papa Jake, was born on December 20, 1922, in Hope, Minnesota. His early life led him to join the Minnesota National Guard in 1938. His military career saw him serve with distinction in the United States Army’s 135th Infantry Regiment, part of the 34th Infantry Division, during World War II. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and played a role in significant historical events, including the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach and the intense Battle of the Bulge. Furthermore, he was an operations sergeant involved in the planning of Operation Overlord. For his service, he was honored with the Bronze Star Medal and the Legion of Honor. Larson completed his military service in 1945.

After his military service, Larson lived a life that would later gain public attention through a new medium. In 1945, he married Lola Cassem, a partnership that lasted until her passing in 1991. Decades later, in June 2020, at an advanced age, Larson embarked on a unique career path by creating a TikTok account. His account rapidly gained popularity, especially after his granddaughter posted a video highlighting his military past, leading to his viral status as ‘Papa Jake’. This new platform allowed him to share his firsthand accounts and stories from World War II, resonating with millions of viewers across generations.

His newfound fame translated into additional achievements. In 2021, he published his memoir, “The Luckiest Man in the World: Stories from the Life of Papa Jake.” On December 20, 2022, he marked his 100th birthday. A significant career highlight occurred in June 2025, when he received a News and Documentary News Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Live Interview, sharing the honor with Christiane Amanpour. Jake Melvin Larson passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 102, in Lafayette, California, as the last surviving member of the army’s 135th Infantry Regiment.