The SS, or Schutzstaffel flag, was the police and military force of the Nazi Party, distinct from the general army and members pledged an oath of loyalty to Adolf Hitler. During World War II, the SS was responsible for many war crimes, including the extermination of millions of Jews and other people who were classed as undesirable by Hitler’s fascist regime. It was declared a criminal organization at the Nuremberg war crime trials.

This flag appears to be the command flag of a SS National Leader (Chef des Hauptamtes). It is a square flag with a black background and silver border. In the center of the flag is a SS eagle. The eagle is drawn different from the one used on the standard of the SS National Leader. Other interpretations show a white border instead of a black one, but this is not documented.

Schutzstaffel Flag: History and Legacy of the SS Symbol

It is believed this particular flag belonged to the SS Heimwehr Danzig battalion, which was part of the 3rd SS Division Totenkopf and existed only between July and November of 1939 when it was absorbed into the overall SS division. This was an important unit which defended the free city of Danzig before Germany invaded Poland.

A Camp Pendleton spokesman told The Associated Press that the Marines involved in this incident will be investigated and the photograph of the flag is being removed from their Facebook page. In addition to the SS flag, Beavercreek police found a history book on Hitler and the SS and other items at Jones’ home.