The fate of this officer was not entirely uncommon in World War II. Soldiers who were taught to kill the enemy sometimes had difficulty simply stopping and taking prisoners. Some, like the Ranger corporal, killed surrendering soldiers on purpose, having had little regard for those who had only moments ago been trying to kill them.

The German 716th Infantry Division, part of the German defenses at Omaha Beach, was partially composed of foreign conscripts. Although the Nazi Party had certain ideas regarding the superiority of the German race, they had little problems using "lesser" races to fight their war for them.