George Ryan Weinbrenner was born on June 10, 1917, in Wayne County, Michigan. He was the son of George Pembroke Weinbrenner Jr. and Helen Ryan Weinbrenner. He was married to Billie Marjorie Suddath Weinbrenner. He enlisted in the service on August 8, 1941. He served in the 360th Bomber Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Major and an Observer of B-17F #42-5788 nicknamed 'Pluto's Avenger' and also known as 'A.O.G. Not in Stock,' during World War II.
On February 22, 1944, during Mission #111 to Aschersleben, Germany, B-17F #42-5788 Pluto's Avenger was attacked by German fighters. The aircraft remained in a controlled shallow dive with its #4 engine smoking before crashing near Duffel, 15 km southwest of Antwerp, Belgium. Tragically, four crew members died and six others became prisoners of war.
After parachuting into Sint-Katelijne-Waver, he evaded capture with the help of Belgian and French citizens, including members of the Résistance. They provided him with clothing, food, shelter, and transportation. Traveling through Brussels, Tournai, and multiple locations in France, he joined the Maquis in southern France until meeting U.S. troops. He then flew through Corsica, Naples, Algiers, and Casablanca, arriving in England on September 15, 1944. George also served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, concluding his military career with the rank of Colonel. He died on March 7, 2010, and is now buried in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, USA.
Source of information: http://www.303rdbg.com/