> At least legally, a missile could only be used in defense or in a war authorized by the congress.

Some Iranians might disagree with you on that point. They can't, though, as they're dead, killed by missiles used not in defense and not in a war authorized by Congress.

> Until recently, most of the population believed that the vast majority of America's military actions were somewhat just and legal, for noble reasons.

That's naive. The US has been using its military for unjust actions (of dubious legality, often "made legal" after the fact) longer than I've been on this Earth.

Please not that I qualified both statements.

"At least legally" It doesn't matter if this is true for this situation, as an employee you only need to have been convinced this is true.

"Most of the population believed" - Again, even if they were mistaken, if they believed it, and let me tell you, a lot of the people STILL believes it, that belief is enough to enure you'll have a good night of sleep after a shift in a Lockheed office or factory.