102-year-old World War II hero’s viral message about America will leave you inspired

A 102-year-old World War II veteran named Jake Larson is going viral on TikTok. People know him online as "Papa Jake." He talked to Fox News Digital about his war experience and what Independence Day means to him.

Jake is from Lafayette, California and fought in six big WWII battles, including Omaha Beach on D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, as per the report by Fox News Digital.

His early life and joining the war

He was born in Owatonna, Minnesota. Jake joined the National Guard in 1938 by lying about his age — he was only 15 years old. He grew up on a farm during the Great Depression, with no electricity, no running water, and no money. Because of his tough childhood, he says he really values freedom and independence today, as per the reports.


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Lying about his age, mere 15-years-old at the time, got Jake into the hallways of the National Guard. Growing up with a lack of basic facilities like electricity and water during the Great Depression, Jaked moulded into someone who relishes the ethos of freedom and independence, as per the report by Fox News Digital.

He worked the night shift for the G3 unit and stayed on duty through the Battle of the Bulge. On D-Day, he was waist-deep in water, holding his rifle and ammo above his head so they wouldn't get wet. He said he was scared of bullets and landmines while being shot at from the shore. He survived six battles and says it’s amazing he didn’t get a single scratch, according to the report by Fox News Digital.

What he says about America and freedom

Jake said, “Great Britain and Ireland were full of American soldiers fighting for the world’s freedom.” He wrote a book called "The Luckiest Man in the World". He said he’s grateful to the soldiers who gave their lives and always honors them.

He said, “They are the real heroes — I was just doing my job.” Jake also said they didn’t go to war to be heroes. They went there to “kick Hitler’s butt out of Europe” — and they did it, as per the report by Fox News Digital.

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What July 4th means to Jake

He said the Fourth of July is a time to think about family and freedom. Jake believes everyone in America is equal, no matter where you're from. He said, “If you fight for America’s freedom, you are an American”, as per the Fox News Digital.

FAQs

Q1. Who is Jake Larson, the 102-year-old World War II veteran going viral?
Jake Larson, also known as "Papa Jake," is a 102-year-old WWII hero from California who fought in six major battles and shares his story on TikTok.

Q2. What did Jake Larson say about the Fourth of July?
He said July 4th is a time to reflect on freedom and family, and that anyone who fights for America’s freedom is truly an American.