It seems obvious that the Marines were not, in any way, referencing Nazi Germany, however their actions have illustrated the dangers of ignorance. Perhaps a little historical perspective could help avoid these careless mistakes… especially by troops representing the values and ideals of the United States.
Major Gabrielle Chapin summarized that the marines made a “naïve mistake” and would not be punished.
She went on further to say that these particular marines, “are too dumb to know this is a Nazi Flag.”