Star-Shaped Hole

"His jaw was in his throat. His eye was shut, the other eye was a star-shaped hole. I killed him." pg. 172

 "His jaw was in his throat, his upper lip and teeth were gone, his one eye was shut, his other eye was a star-shaped hole..." pg.118

This is a very important symbol. It is also mentioned more then once in the book and with great detail. The star-shaped hole the glorification (the star shape) of war, and yet the horrifying gruesomeness of the situation.