George was born on the 16th of February 1888, in the District of Columbia, and after high school he attended the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. He graduated in 1907 and while not much else about his early life or military career is known, it is known that he was a Lieutenant Junior Grade when he deployed to Vera Cruz in support of the Mexican Campaign, where he displayed actions that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21-22 April 1914. Under fire, Lt. (j.g.) Courts was eminent and conspicuous in the performance of his duties. He had well qualified himself by thorough study during his years of duty in Mexico to deal with the conditions of this engagement, and his services were of great value. He twice volunteered and passed in an open boat through the zone of fire to convey important orders to the Chester, then under a severe fire.

George received the Medal of Honor on the 4th of December 1915 and remained in the US Navy, reaching the rank of Commander. George McCall Courts died on the 1st of August 1932 at the age of 44 and he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery: Section 7, Lot 9874.