WWII veteran, 98, passes away wearing Army uniform

SCOTIA, N.Y. (KABC) -- A 98-year-old veteran of World War II and the Korean War died in a nursing center wearing his Army uniform in Scotia, New York, on Wednesday, the day after Veterans Day.

Justus Belfield, better known as Jay, spent his last day alive in his uniform lying in bed next to his wife in her bed at Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Belfield served 17 years in the Army and spoke three languages. He also took part in the Berlin Airlift, dropping food and supplies to the people of west Berlin.

The photo of Belfield in his uniform saluting the camera has been viewed by millions of people on Albany's WTEN Facebook page.

News10.com ABC in Albany, NY contributed to this story.