Hi Carol, I just now saw your question, so I hope you see this reply.
I suggest you write to the New York State Archives for his military record. I believe you can contact them to get the forms and fees by their website:
http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/research/res_topics_military...
I am sure that my ancestors records were obtained by sending a form in the mail. If I remember it was about $50.00. If they find a record it is very worth the money. Good Luck.
John