Robb White was an extraordinary man who led an adventurous life most people only dream of. He was born in the Philippines, the son of missionaries, became a highly decorated U.S. Navy lieutenant commander in World War II, serving in submarines, aircraft carriers, battleships, sailboats and (once) a rubber life raft, and an adventurous explorer who traveled from the mountains of Kurdistan to the beaches of the South Pacific.

White’s work reflects a life of adventure and integrity. The common theme in his stories is a young man’s search for courage and self-reliance while dealing with a moral choice or a life-and-death situation.

White liked stories which dealt with ordinary people who survived in the face of terrible hardship. White's work is typically hero-driven, a characteristic that emerges most clearly in Deathwatch where the protagonist battles not only his human persecutor, but the impersonal harshness of the American Desert.

Young Adult Fiction

White wrote popular young adult fiction in his time. White’s stories were about young characters coming of age in a hard world...

• The Lion’s Paw: A G-rated adventure story of three runaways living on a sailboat. Nick and Penny are two escaped orphans. Together with teenage Ben, they sail the Florida straits searching for the family they can never really have. The three kids live and survive together, hiding from the authorities and finding a home in their small sailboat. This moving and uplifting young adult story was only published in the South – rare copies sell for up to $400 on eBay. Portraying the perilous inland voyage from Florida’s Atlantic Coast to Captiva in the Gulf of Mexico, The Lion’s Paw is perfect material for a family friendly film that could star up-and coming actors from the Disney and Nickelodeon rosters.
• Deathwatch: Ben, a young hunting guide, witnesses a murder and is pursued through the desert, a hundred miles from town, with no food, water or weapons. He must rely on his survival skills to outwit his opponent, make it back alive, and get the truth out. This thrilling book, originally published in 1972, is still on high school reading lists. Deathwatch has elements of Survivor and NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN.
• Secret Sea: A young ex-naval officer goes in search of Aztec treasure reputedly sunk in the Caribbean, aided by a fifteen-year old boy.
• Fire Storm: A fire warden believes he has captured the young arsonist responsible for setting major blazes, until the boy saves both their lives and an explanation of his suspicious behavior becomes apparent.

The Pacific Theater

White also wrote fictional novels inspired by his service in World War II. The stories are compelling, original, authentic, and centered on a rich character level. The common theme is a young man proving his worth, his fortitude or his integrity in a harsh environment...

• Silent Ship, Silent Sea: Loosely inspired by the true story of an American destroyer battle-damaged and left adrift without engines or power. By daybreak, the fleet has moved on, unaware the ship is left behind. The crew must “sail” to Australia, through typhoons and enemy sub-infested waters. Young seaman Kelsey Devereux rises to the occasion and keeps the crew together, lest they all perish. We see this story as THE PERFECT STORM set in World War II.
• Torpedo Run: This story focuses on the life of a small PT boat crew. When their commander is killed, the Navy sends a fresh, “by the book” replacement, whose naïve decisions put the crew in danger. Young Peter Brent, the executive officer, must draw on his experience and stand up to the new captain. Each member of the squad is drawn into the morality play and forced to choose sides, while executing their daring mission against the Japanese navy.
• Survivor: A self-centered Navy pilot is sent on a scouting mission with an elite Marine recon squad. But when the force is trapped behind enemy lines on a Japanese-held island, the young pilot must take command, earn the respect of the men and lead the escape.
• Up Periscope: A young man is sent by submarine to capture a Japanese code that is being used to relay secret information about American forces during World War II.

Autobiographical