Jon Stojan
In the vast tapestry of American storytelling, certain tales stand out as remarkable testaments to the strength of the human spirit. Tittsworth by John O’Connor is one such narrative. The book chronicles the extraordinary journey of James A. Tittsworth from small town farm boy to decorated American warrior.
The book begins with James A. Tittsworth’s January 1944 birth in Emmett, a small rural town in the north central part of Nebraska. Raised in a patriotic family with a legacy of military service, James’ parents, Thomas, a decorated WWII veteran himself, and Claire, a strong, resolute woman of Scottish stock, instill in him a strong work ethic and an honest concern for others. James embodies these values and lives them throughout his life. O’Connor skillfully describes an early character revealing incident where the young Tittsworth rescues a childhood friend from drowning. His courage and disregarding of the danger to himself as he rescues his friend are traits he displays time and again through his life.
As the story progresses the narrative chronicles in detail his experiences as a scholarship athlete on the University of Nebraska football team in the “big city” of Lincoln, Nebraska. One particular incident outside the school gym where he rescues a young woman from a violent boyfriend leads to a first love. The plot twists when a series of injuries and a “Dear John” letter upend his football career and crush his desire to stay in school. While home from college on break, a neighbor’s tragic house fire involving another dramatic rescue ultimately leads him to enlist in the Army. This crucial decision, to join the service, frames the rest of his life. Once in the Army Tittsworth becomes an officer and joins the brotherhood of the elite Green Berets.
Tittsworth’s assignments as a Special Forces officer in Okinawa and Vietnam are presented in detail, unfolding the incidents and experiences that transformation him from studdly college football player, to professional soldier, to brave and cunning warrior and a leader of men. Tittsworth’s intense combat experiences immerses the reader in the Vietnam War from an infantry soldier’s perspective. The battles are fought in accurate and shocking detail and the book’s thrilling ending takes an unexpected turn demonstrating Tittsworth’s courage, determination and will to survive. The Tittsworth story also serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience embedded in the American spirit and the transformative power of adversity.
The author, known as Jack to his friends, is a decorated combat veteran which allows him to describe small unit combat as it really is. His varied athletic career and service in elite military units lends authenticity to his descriptions of life at war and the physical and mental challenges faced by Tittsworth as he fights to survive. In summary, Tittsworth not only tells the captivating story of an American hero, but also reflects O’Connor’s masterful storytelling. It is a riveting story and a book hard to put down.