The language school guru who says he was unfairly maligned by the L.A. Times — and who the Times says inflated his World War II exploits — and whose supporters post long comments here — received a Silver Star ceremony Monday in New York from Rep. Rep. Carolyn Maloney. He got the medal first back in May. Newsday, N.Y. Daily News. * Newsday folo: Today's story makes clear that the Silver Star was not given for American service, saying the U.S. has no record of him despite Thomas' claims he worked in counterintelligence for the Army. Thomas supporter Alex Kline (brother of actor Kevin Kline) says they pursued the Silver Star to help clear Thomas' name after the LAT story.