Hoyt,
A photo of WWI enlisted troops in review. Note the Lugers.
You stated that the buckle was round, which would be an officers buckle. Enlisted buckles are rectangular.
It was not only SS officers that were shot. Enlisted often suffered the same fate as the war was being lost. Many of the SS held out as long as possible. It was a common occurance for them to lay in wait, "Snipe" advancing Allied troops and then surrender.
Omar Bradley put out a "subtle"order that he didn't want to hear about German snipers being taken prisoner.