Landing in The FIRST WAVE on OMAHA Beach on D-DAY | Jake Larson

In 1938, at age 15, Jake Larson lied about his age and enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor his guard unit became part of the US Army and Larson was sent to Ft. Dix, New Jersey to await embarkation to Europe.

Larson was stationed in Northern Ireland, where he was transferred to V Corps, G3 section. Now in a headquarters company, Larson began to assist in critical logistic plannings for Operation Overlord, or D-Day.

On June 6, 1944, Larson landed in the first wave on Omaha Beach and was tasked with setting up an operational command post once a beachhead was established.

Larson would survive Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge and later write about his experiences in his autobiography entitled "The Luckiest Man in the World". Jake would also find unexpected fame as a TikTok and YouTube sensation, sharing his stories to a new generation of people around the world.

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[danielh]

He was born in 1922, so anybody can do the math. That makes him 100 years old and he's still able to articulately tell his story. Kudos to him for his service and bravery as he exemplifies the greatest generation.

[olmstead]

I proudly get to say this guy was at my house tonight for Thanksgiving. He is the man. He still has it for being 99, turning 100 this Dec. Awesome guy to hang with and talk to.

[NancyLynn]

15yrs old...can you imagine! Thank you for your service Mr Larson, truly.

[winstonchurchll]

I stop whatever I'm doing and watch these out of respect for the men who lived to tell us about it. You have my deepest respect. Thank you for your service.

[Corellian]

This man has lived for a century and is a veteran of the largest sea invasion in history. What an honour to be able to listen to his story, I can only hope to have half his vitality and clearness of mind if/when I reach old age.

[noahyetter]

80 years later and you can still see the echos of that beach in his eyes…Thank you for your service Sgt. may yours and all other’s sacrifices never be in vain 🇺🇸

[eddieessen]

Mr. Larson is 99 years old. He survived D-Day and WW2. He seems lucid and is a national hero. This is someone to respect and remember.

[chookgaming]

Omaha Beach was the worst one as far as casualties, 1st infantry got absolutely obliterated. The fact he was on that first wave is absolutely insane. Words cannot express the respect I have for this man.

[nelsonlim]

That 1000 mile look in his eyes when he’s recalling his story… I feel him.

[thomasskapnit]

You can still see the fear in his eyes. I can’t imagine the horrible things he witnessed. God bless him.

[christianbruh]

It’s almost like his mind doesn’t want him to remember, yet he’s pulling those memories out of files in his brain like it’s all sorted and documented A through Z.
Amazing honestly.

[clivem]

As every year passes there are fewer and fewer of these incredible veterans alive, it makes it vitally important to remember and tell their story, so we don't ever forget what they did for us.

[bensherman]

Wow 1.6 million people have heard his story on YouTube. He deserves the recognition. These were kids fighting in a grown up war. To survive such a horrendous battle and is still alive telling his story 80 years later.

[alanratay]

My Dad was a Seabee in the South Pacific in WWII. His dad signed a letter for him to enlist at 17. I can’t even imagine. Thank all of you for everything.

[zackadamec]

I'm so glad somebody is getting these men's stories on camera before they're all gone.

[Tyler-tyty]

My grandfather was a WW2 veteran. I was unsure what battles he participated in, because he never liked to talk about it. Although every once in awhile he would share some stories. My only regret is not hearing more of them. I miss you pop. You're a hero just like the man in this video.

[REM]

This man is still so sharp, tells a great story. The details make it great, mines bursting in the water. "Hey buddy. You got a match? No answer. I turned and looked, there was no head under that helmet." My God, gave me goose bumps.

[uomodonore]

It's amazing to hear it first hand from a veteran that was actually at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Thank you sir for your service. You are the embodiment of courage.

[karlsmith]

I love these stories. These men are the knights of our time. 15.... I was skateboarding without a care in the world. He was dodging bullets... Long Live The Greatest Generation

[QuickLern]

It's such a strange feeling, to envy the experiences of D-Day vets like Jake Larson, being a part of a pivotal moment in history like that, and simultaneously thank God that I never had to witness such horror. What an amazing story.