WWII Veteran Jake “Papa Jake” Laron had pass on Thursday, July 17. Within hours, I receive a message from Normandy, well before any news locally had mentioned it!
On the cover of this months Diablo Gazette, is a screen shot from a Normandy TV news broadcast announcing the passing of Papa Jake Larson. Jake is wearing his favorite jacket, one that lists the battles he fought in WWII.
On July 17, 2025, America and the people of Normandy lost a true hero. Jake “Papa Jake” Larson, a cherished World War II veteran and last surviving member of his regiment, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 102.
Featured on last month’s Diablo Gazette cover, Papa Jake had just returned from attending the annual 10-day D-Day ceremony in Normandy. He was a familiar and beloved face at the event. Normandy local, Fabienne Ory, first met Jake at last year’s event was inspired by his relentless positivity. “Forget negativity!” Papa Jake would say with a smile that resonated with Ory. She was one of many Jake inspired.
Papa Jake’s impact on Normandy was profound. On July 27, a farewell ceremony was held in his honor at Omaha Beach — a fitting tribute to a man who once stormed its shores under fire. The ceremony was a powerful mix of solemnity and gratitude: hundreds of citizens in attendance, a flag-folding, a march to the sea, roses on the sand, a flyover, and soldiers and equipment all paying homage to the fallen hero.
Born in Hope, Minnesota, Jake’s early life was marked by poverty during the Great Depression. With no electricity or running water, his family scraped by selling moonshine. At just 15, Jake and his cousin lied about their age to join the National Guard in 1939 for a mere $12 every three months. In 1941, he was inducted into federal service.
Serving in the 34th Infantry Division before joining the V Corps G3 section as an operations sergeant, Jake was among the 34,000 Allied troops to storm Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was later awarded the Bronze Star by the U.S. Army and France’s highest honor, the Legion of Honor.
Papa Jake’s legacy of courage, resilience, and optimism will continue to inspire generations to come.
He was a very lucky and special man.
Here are images from the Farewell ceremony. Many of these are not published in this months eidition.
