D-DAY: He Survived Omaha Beach's Deadliest Sector | 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.

Interview recorded on November 2, 2023

----------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------

Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Daniel Taksas

[americanveteranscenter]

HISTORY LOVERS — before you comment, be sure to subscribe to this YouTube channel and ring the notification bell so you never miss a future upload!

[briankeevan]

How these men did what they did, saw what they saw, then came home, started families, & worked, building this country…
They EARNED their title as “The Greatest Generation.”

[joshmajor]

It’s pathetically sad that people don’t see how fortunate we are to hear his story from HIM!!! Thank you sir….. your a true legend!!

[gabet]

My Grandfather came ashore on Omaha Beach D-Day plus 1. He was anti-aircraft artillery. He saw some pretty serious action, and many of his men were lost. He went against orders to hold his fire and fired on an enemy aircraft to save his men that were about to be strafed and killed. He got in trouble, but all his men wrote letters, saying if he hadn't done what he did, they would all be dead. Later he was there when the storm came and broke up the mulberry harbor. He went out and rescued some men that were swept into the water. He would call his men and talk to them after the war. He was haunted by it all till he passed away. He was a good man.

So to this man in this video and my grandfather, I salute you both. And to the men that died that day and many days after I think there is but only one quote that truly honors them.

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived. George S. Patton.

[skyjust]

We're BLESSED having you here to tell your story ❤️🙏 thank you

[tstreb]

I'm humbled and glad to be watching this at 2:24 AM instead of any other social media garbage.

[monolithic]

101 and sharp as a tack.
Incredible.

This man and his fallen comrades deserve more respect than we can give. Thank you for your service.

[thedad]

I served in iraq in 2007-09, my grandfather served in Vietnam in 69, my wifes grandfather (God rest his soul) served in WW2 in the pacific theater, and the stories he has told me about him and his buddy is just out of this world. i salute you, sir. may you an all our brothers in arms be heros forever. Thank you. I cannot fathom the terrors you went through, even though i have my own, they are nothing compared.

[will-i-am-not]

These stories should be told in our schools, because sadly I think the younger generation have no idea how grateful they should be, not only to those who survived, but also to all those who died giving them the freedom they now enjoy

[andrewwebb-trezzi]

“Is there history of service in your family sir?”. “No, but I created one”

[OneOut]

I'm a 68 year old man with eyes fulll of tears watching this.

[ferdberffle]

I was in the 116th Brigade, 29th ID in the 80's. The D-Day vets would come out when we paraded, they called us their brothers. I loved those middle-aged men. What they did was absolutely incredible.

[Robertsmith-uncu]

Poor guy was sent into the gates of hell. No armor. No support. And he may have survived. But he never left that beach. It’s been with him every day for the last 80 years.

[mltrymn]

What an honor to listen to this man's story. He is, in fact, here to tell the stories of those who can't. He's here to tell his story. And I feel so lucky and grateful to be here to listen. This man is the voice of what is "The Greatest Generation". Thank you, Staff Sergeant.

[mareelovely]

This man was chosen to stay behind. Somebody had to stay behind to speak for those young men. God Bless him.

[salsepulveda]

Outstanding! My father served in the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division and landed in the second wave on Easy Red. He died at 90 years old in 2008. He was extremely proud to be a member of the 1st Infantry Division from North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Omaha, Normandy Hedge Rows, St. Lo, Mons, Aachen, Cologne, Battle of the Bulge, and into Czechoslovakia. He was there and saw it all - wounded twice. His decorations had clusters.

[daisycocoa]

I heard him talk when he was younger. Glad to hear he’s still around ❤❤❤❤❤

[MWL]

A great man from the greatest generation. Thank you sir.

[hellomjb]

I served with the Red Bulls, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity. We can never fill the boots of you that served before us.

[CaliGuru]

Every time your videos or shorts show up on my feed I make sure to watch the whole interview out of respect for these men, their legacy shall not be forgotten.