According to Greek mythology, the Man of Brass was named Talus, the guardian of Crete. Talus was famed for heating himself until he was red hot, then hugging would-be intruders to death.

Although the Man of Brass might be admired for his boldness, his tough love technique never caught on with modern brass hats. The term brass hat (which first referred to "a high-ranking officer in the armed forces" before being mustered out into civilian life) originated in the gold braid adorning caps of military higher-ups. Brass hat is also known as top brass or simply brass.

By the way, brass tacks ("the details of immediate practical importance") is not known to have a military background. Etymologists believe that phrase may come from Cockney rhyming slang, where brass tacks means "facts."