101-Year-Old D-Day Veteran Recalls Fighting to ‘Kick Hitler Out of Europe

Jake Larson, a 101-year-old D-Day veteran, returned to Normandy, France, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. In a powerful interview with Christiane Amanpour, Larson vividly recounted his experiences and the unwavering resolve of the soldiers who stormed the beaches that day.

When Amanpour asked if he remembered stepping out of the landing craft, Larson responded emphatically: “Like it was yesterday.” He detailed how the “17-year-old pilot” of their craft had dropped them off too early, forcing them to wade through neck-deep water as they made their way to the shore.

“I got out of the landing craft and I had water right up to my chin,” Larson recalled. “He let us out a little too far, but he was just a 17-year-old pilot for that boat.”

Amanpour noted the youth of the soldiers, to which Larson agreed, “We were all kids, yes.”

When asked if he knew what they were fighting for, Larson’s response was clear and passionate. “Definitely. That we knew. Every one of us every one of us was prepared to give our life to kick Hitler’s a** out of Europe!” he said. “And we did! We lost quite a few we lost friends. I lost friends. But we were soldiers. We were prepared to give our life.”

Larson’s words highlight the bravery and determination of those young men who faced unimaginable dangers to liberate Europe from Nazi control. Their sacrifices paved the way for freedom and democracy, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

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