Jake Larson
American World War II veteran and TikToker (1922–2025)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jake Melvin Larson (December 20, 1922 – July 17, 2025), also known as Papa Jake,[2][3][4] was an American World War II veteran and TikToker. He was best known for sharing stories about his experiences of World War II on TikTok.[5]
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December 20, 1922
Jake Larson | |
|---|---|
Larson in 2025 | |
| Born | Jake Melvin Larson[1] December 20, 1922 Hope, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | July 17, 2025 (aged 102) Lafayette, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | TikToker |
| Spouse |
Lola Cassem
(m. 1945; died. 1991) |
| TikTok information | |
| Page | |
| Years active | 2020–2025 |
| Followers | 1.2 million |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | Minnesota National Guard United States Army |
| Service years | 1938-1945 |
| Rank | Staff sergeant |
| Unit | 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Awards | |
Early life and career
Larson was born in Hope, Minnesota,[6] the son of Fred Larson, a farmer, and Margaret Peterson.[7] He joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1938.[4][8] He served with the 135th Infantry Regiment in the 34th Infantry Division in the United States Army during World War II.[9] During his military service, he held the rank of staff sergeant, and fought at Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge,[8] and was an operations sergeant who was involved in the planning of Operation Overlord.[10] He was discharged from his military service in 1945.[11] For his military service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Legion of Honor.[12][13]
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Larson created his TikTok account in June 2020.[10] His account went viral after his granddaughter posted a video about Larson's military service.[14] After gaining popularity on TikTok, in 2021, he wrote his memoir The Luckiest Man in the World: Stories from the Life of Papa Jake.[10][15]
In June 2025, Larson won a News and Documentary News Emmy Award in the category Outstanding Live Interview. His win was shared with Christiane Amanpour.[9][16][17]
Personal life and death
In 1945, Larson married Lola Cassem.[18][19] Their marriage lasted until her death in 1991.[20]
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On December 20, 2022, Larson turned 100.[21] He died at his home in Lafayette, California, on July 17, 2025, at the age of 102.[22][23] At the time of his death, he was the last surviving member of the army's 135th Infantry Regiment.[10]
