George Sterling Race was born 30 January 1922, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, the son of George S. Race and LaVerne Race. George S. Race attended the Hershey Industrial School, and was member of the School’s band, and played the trumpet. George Sterling Race graduated in 1940.

George S. Race enrolled at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but that decision was quickly halted when he decided to join the U.S. Military. On 10 September 1940, George Sterling Race enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. His enlistment was for the Philippine Department.

After completing his duty in the Philippines, Staff Sergeant George Sterling Race was granted a furlough before being re-assigned to the 55th Bombardment Training Squadron, Stationed at Kirtland Army Air Field in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On 26 October 1944, Staff Sergeant George Sterling Race was killed in a plane crash during a training flight. The single engine training aircraft crashed and burned near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Also killed in the crash was 2nd Lieutenant William Courtland Shelton, Jr., of Tahlequah, Cherokee County, Oklahoma. Staff Sergeant George Sterling Race was buried in Warden Cemetery in Dallas, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. He was survived by his Mother, LaVerne Race; and by his Brother, PFC Robert D. Race, serving with the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and other relatives.