This would be listed in their discharge papers. If you don't have that you can PROBABLY get a copy by going to the National Archives and Records Administration website http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/ and requesting it. I say probably because many records were lost in a fire in 1973 but they can usually find copies of discharge papers from other sources. The fastest way to get a copy of discharge papers is to check with county clerk's office. Many vets returning from service were told to file a copy there (I did after Vietnam). Also, if the relative ever joined a VFW or American Legion post, they would have submitted a copy of discharge as proof of eligibility. If they ever financed home purchase by VA, again the discharge would have been submitted. And, it's possible your town tax assessor would have a copy, as many vets receive tax exemptions. And, if the relative died, the funeral director may have a copy, as they are usually the ones requesting the flag for covering the coffin.
The first step is to try to locate their discharge documents. (Modern days
that would be a DD-214). If the individual is deceased and you know the
burial site contact them for any records they may be holding and the name
of the Mortician in case they may have any documents in their possesion.
He may have been a member of his local VFW or other patriotic fraternal
unit. When you have done your homework, contact the DoD (Department
of Vetrans Affairs} with all the information you have compiled and ask for
their help. Be prepared to wait even for a nominal response. Good Luck!
Each country awarded it's own medals. The list depends on what country you are referring to.
Contact the VA for a copy of your father's DD Form 214. It will list all awards your father earned.
The Largest List of Military Medals is on the link below. You do not have to purchase from that web site when you are researching for a particular medal. It helps if you know if the medal was issued to someone in a certain military branch because they list all the medals for each branch of the military.
You can contact the Navy Department and request a copy of your service record, which will list all of your awards and medals. There are numerous places on line that will provide medals and ribbons and mount them in shadow boxes.
With only 6 medals India is way down toward the middle of the list 55th on the one list for Gold Medals and 37th on the Medals List by total count and behind North Korea, South Africa, and Croatia who also won Gold Medals as part of their 6 medal total count
A current list of medals won can be found at the link below
The United States with 37 total medals. For the full list of medals: http://www.vancouver2010.com/
The first thing is to look at the DD214. It is the discharge paper given a soldier when they get out of the military. If they don't have it, go to the Veterans Administration online and order it. It should list all of the medals and citations the individual has been awarded. You can also order the full service record.
I'm pretty sure you can find that in the World Almanac...
See the link below for a current list of medals won.
A current list of the medals won so far can be seen at the link below.
Germany with 29 medals.