Brutalization might show up as graphic and disturbing descriptions of violence and gore in the war story.
It could be reflected in the extreme emotional and psychological trauma depicted for the characters. Also, the portrayal of dehumanizing actions and the harsh realities of war without any sugar-coating would be a form of brutalization in telling such a story.
Brutalization in telling a war story can be seen when there's a raw and unfiltered presentation of the physical and mental suffering, along with the callousness and cruelty that war often brings. Maybe it involves showing the darkest aspects of human nature during war without trying to soften the blow.