 These adventurous years, during which the couple weathered a hurricane, fended off a Nazi skipper, aided Jewish refugees, and survived a surprise visit from White's mother-in-law, are detailed in his memoirs, "In Privateer's Bay" (1939), "Our Virgin Island" (1953), and "Two on the Isle" (1985).White was recalled to military duty when World War II broke out; he flew as a pilot, fought near his birthplace in the Battle of Leyte Gulf (1944), and served on battleships, submarines, and aircraft carriers.He earned eight medals and retired with the rank of lieutenant commander after five years of service.