George Dickens Hitchcock

World War II B-17 pilot George D. Hitchcock, 102, of Barrington Hills, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on August 27, 2026. He lived a remarkable life defined by courage, service, and a determination to preserve the stories of his generation.

Born February 9, 1924, George grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His early years shaped the character that would remain with him throughout his life—independent, disciplined, curious, and deeply committed to the people and responsibilities entrusted to him.

A Young Man Determined to Serve

George's life changed dramatically with World War II. Because Canada entered the war before the United States, George, at the age of 17, made the extraordinary decision to drive to Canada and enlist in the Royal Canadian Air Force—without telling his parents.

When the United States entered the war, George transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces. He ultimately became a First Lieutenant and a leader in the 570th Bomb Squadron, flying the B-17 Flying Fortress in combat operations over Europe.

During his service, George flew 27 missions, including missions over much of Germany and Berlin. For the young men who flew these aircraft, each mission carried enormous risk of not returning.

George survived those missions and came home to Milwaukee carrying memories of the men he had served with, including those who did not survive.

Many years later at the age of 101, he documented those experiences in his book, My Long Journey: Milwaukee to Berlin: Twenty-Seven Missions in a B-17. The book was inspired in part by a neighbor and the daughter of a fallen crewman. It became George's effort to preserve the history of his service and ensure that future generations would understand what ordinary young Americans experienced during an extraordinary period in history.

Life After the War

After returning home, George married in 1946, re-enrolled at Northwestern University, and graduated in 1948.

After graduation, he couldn't find a job that paid enough to support his young family. Instead, George became a successful entrepreneur, starting a construction company and later buying a fireproofing insulation business. The company became highly successful, and he ultimately named it the L.B. Hall Company, after his beloved third wife, Lola Belle.

Exceptionally bright and athletic, George was also the life of the party and loved playing practical jokes on his close friends. One of his favorite things to do during parties at his indoor pool was to challenge guests to swing across the pool on a rope suspended from the ceiling. George had mastered the technique and took great delight in watching many of the party end up in the pool.

George also had a passion for golf and tennis. He started an indoor tennis club and regularly practiced his par-3 drives onto his neighbors' lakefront lawn.

Family

The love of his life for 44 years, Lola Belle, survives George, along with his children from his first wife; Wendy Buckingham and Georgia Hitchcock-Mason, and his grandchildren, Toby Buckingham, Callie Hitchcock-Mason and Ian Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archibald and Kathrine Dickens Hitchcock, and sisters Margorie Frank and Joanie Ditch, as well as his first daughter, Linda, who died of leukemia at the age of nine in 1957.

George never forgot Linda. He always carried her picture in his wallet—a small but enduring reminder of the daughter he lost and loved throughout his life.

Remembering George

George's story was one of perseverance and service. He belonged to a generation asked to grow up quickly, take on enormous responsibility at a young age, and put the needs of others and their country ahead of their own safety.

His 27 missions testified to his courage. His decision to record those experiences reflected his belief that they should not be forgotten.

But George's legacy extended well beyond his wartime service to his country. He built a successful business, embraced life with enthusiasm, and maintained a sense of humor and adventure well into his later years.

He leaves behind not only the family and friends who loved him, but also a lasting written record of a pivotal chapter in American history.

Services

A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Anne Catholic Church in Barrington, Illinois, at 10:30 a.m. on September 11, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation in Northfield, Illinois.