El Cajon physician, George Brown, 85, died Sept 12, 2008, after a long illness. In 1941, he was recruited by the Naval Academy to play football. He graduated in 1944 as a member of the class of '45. The Academy accelerated the 4 year program to 3 years during World War II. He served on the ill-fated USS Indianapolis until he was accepted into submarine school. He hoped to see more action in submarine service.
However, before he graduated from submarine school in Portsmouth, NH, the War had ended and the stark tragedy of the Indianapolis had occurred. After serving in submarines for three years he resigned from the Navy to attend medical school at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. Four years later he reentered the Navy for his internship.
He started his private practice in 1954. During those years, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He enjoyed being the doctor for San Diego State football team for 15 years. He founded a free medical clinic at the City Rescue Mission in downtown San Diego and flew medical missions to Mexico.
Published in U-T San Diego from Nov. 6 to Nov. 12, 2008.