Unlike the Wehrmacht, who wore the national eagle over the right breast pocket, the Waffen-SS wore their eagle on the left upper sleeve. Legacy and Controversy
Initially strictly "Aryan," the organization later expanded to include "Germanic" volunteers (Scandinavians, Dutch) and eventually non-Germanic units from across occupied Europe and beyond. Uniforms,Organization and History of the Waffen...
The visual identity of the Waffen-SS was designed to be distinct and intimidating. Unlike the Wehrmacht, who wore the national eagle
The Waffen-SS (Armed SS) originated in 1933 as the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler , a personal bodyguard for the Nazi leader. Under Heinrich Himmler, it grew into a "fourth branch" of the German military, distinct from the regular army ( Wehrmacht ). The Waffen-SS (Armed SS) originated in 1933 as
The most recognizable features included the "SS" runes on the right collar tab and the Totenkopf (Death’s Head) on the peaked caps.