From the S&S archives: 'Axis Sally' leaves Europe for U.S. treason inquiry

FRANKFURT, Aug. 20 — Wearing a second-hand black tailored slack suit and carrying a bouquet of flowers, "Axis Sally" left Rhine-Main Air Base for Washington today where she will face a grand jury treason inquiry along with "Tokyo Rose."

The 37-year-old spinster from Portland, Me., whose real name is Mildred Gillars and who broadcast over the Nazi radio to American troops during the war, is accused by the Army of attempting to promote dissension and desertion.

"Goodby Frankfurt," she said as she boarded an Army C54, escorted by two WAC security officers. Her face was tanned and her lips rouged. Her grey hair was combed and tied back with a black ribbon to go with her dramatic flowing black fur cloak and slacks, purchased from a WAC and given her for the trip by the U. S. Government.

No charges have yet been filed against her but she is expected to face counts similar to those which convicted two fellow announcers, Douglas Chandler and Robert Best.

Asked by reporters who sent her the roses, she replied mysteriously, "They came from the French Zone."

"This is quite a bombardment," she said as flash bulbs popped, "but I'm used to them, you know — I mean bombs during the war."

Reporters asked her what her feelings were on going back to the States. "When in Germany, do as the Germans do," she replied without explanation.