This narrative gives a remarkable—and almost certainly unintentional—insight into the early aspects of rationalizing a personal kill. Note the writer’s recognition of the killer’s humanity associated with the use of words such as “he,” “him,” and “his.” But then the enemy’s weapon is noted, the rationalization process begins, and “he” becomes “the body” and ultimately “the gook.” Once the process begins, irrational and irrelevant supporting evidence is gathered, and the possession of U.S.-made shoes and a watch becomes a cause for depersonalization rather than identification.
