Y E S T E RY E A R S
Pure patriotism Polo guided early years of general’s illustrious career By Peter J. Rizzo
Gen. George Scratchley Brown
Polo helped instill the values of leadership, teamwork and daring into a young military brat who carried those qualities with him during an impressive military career, spanning over four decades, as a decorated war hero. Ultimately, his passion for polo did not withstand his strong allegiance to his country, and he went on to become the highest-ranking, most senior officer in the Armed Forces. George Scratchley Brown was born in Montclair, New Jersey in 1918 to Thoburn Kaye Brown and his wife Frances Katherine Brown (née Scratchley). The military family moved often, however, for many years his father was stationed in West Point, New York, where the first collegiate polo game was played in 1920. At the time, polo was played at almost every post in the Army. “Requiring intelligence in the horse as well as skill in the rider, polo is a sport particularly suited for the
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Army,” West Point’s yearbook, the Howitzer, stated. According to the book “George S. Brown General, U.S. Air Force Destined for Stars” by Edgar F. Puryear Jr., George and his brother learned to ride horses in riding classes offered by the military bases. While their father was stationed at West Point, the brothers would help exercise polo ponies. The pair began playing bike polo and eventually, horse polo. George honed his horsemanship skills and his interest in the sport grew. Brown’s daughter, Susanah Howland wrote, “... My grandfather TK was a cavalry officer and my dad and his brother spent their summers with their father while he engaged in cavalry exercises. My dad and uncle pretty much grew up around horses and riding. Theirs was not typical “riding lessons” at the post barn.” Brown decided he wanted to attend the U.S.
