George was born on the 1st of December, 1874 in Norfolk, Virginia. He joined the US Navy and it was his actions as a Coal Passer during the Spanish-American War that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Bright set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

George Washington Bright died on the 20th of March, 1949 at the age of 74 and is buried in the Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia: ward C, Old Ground, section 13, square 6.