Tom O'Connor

Tom O’Connor is an author of historical fiction and children’s books whose work reflects a lifelong interest in leadership, history, family, and the choices that define character. His historical-fiction series, Steel and Honor: A West Point Brotherhood, follows West Point-trained officers whose frie... Tom O’Connor is an author of historical fiction and children’s books whose work reflects a lifelong interest in leadership, history, family, and the choices that define character. His historical-fiction series, Steel and Honor: A West Point Brotherhood, follows West Point-trained officers whose friendships, loyalties, and convictions are tested by the approach and devastation of the American Civil War. Combining extensive historical research with character-driven storytelling, O’Connor brings military operations, command decisions, family relationships, and the human consequences of war together in an accessible narrative style.His published and developing works include From Cadets to Captains, Gettysburg and Vicksburg: Summer of Decision, and additional novels tracing the experiences of Union and Confederate officers through the major campaigns of the Civil War. His research emphasizes historical accuracy, period military culture, logistics, leadership, and the realities faced by soldiers and their families.O’Connor also writes illustrated children’s books inspired by the adventures, curiosity, and imagination of his grandchildren. His children’s stories emphasize family relationships, exploration, cooperation, discovery, and STEM learning while encouraging young readers to remain curious about the world around them.A longtime student of American military history, O’Connor brings a particular interest in Civil War leadership, West Point traditions, engineering, transportation, and the complex personal relationships that crossed sectional lines before and during the war. His writing process combines extensive primary and secondary research with rigorous editing, readability analysis, and historical review.O’Connor lives in coastal North Carolina, where he continues to research, write, and develop new books. Away from his desk, he enjoys cycling, golf, travel, and spending time with his family. Across both his historical novels and children’s books, his central interest remains the same: telling compelling stories about people learning, persevering, and finding strength through the relationships that matter most.

Cadets to Captains: 1848-1860

By: Tom O'Connor

In 1848 to best friend and roommate graduate form West Point. Follow them perofessionally and personally as they manage to participate in a Federal Army desperately trying to modernize after the Mexican War while at the same time fracturing as the Country heads to Civil War. They marry, have families and live the life of young officers. They even get a plum assignemnt supporting the Delafield Comm...

Antietam: Secession toi the Bloodiest Day

By: Tom O'Connor

Continue to follow James Tanner, Nathaniel McAllister and Nathaniel's younger brother Andrew as they make major decisions for their families and the Country. Watch as the Civil War consumes their lives both professionally and personally. Finally walk the Antietam Battle field after the battle with Andrew and wonder how this battle's brutqality was made possible.