World War II: Axis Sally delivers her last propaganda broadcast to Allied troops.

Mildred Elizabeth Gillars (November 29, 1900 – June 25, 1988) holds a unique and controversial place in American history, primarily remembered as one of the infamous "Axis Sally" broadcasters. Her journey led her from aspiring actress and musician in the United States to a prominent propagandist for Nazi Germany during the tumultuous years of World War II. Her broadcasts, insidious and persuasive, aimed to demoralize Allied troops and sow discord, making her a symbol of wartime betrayal.

The Path to Propaganda: From Ohio to Nazi Germany

Born in Portland, Maine, and raised in Ohio, Mildred Gillars initially pursued a career in the arts, studying music and drama. Seeking opportunities that eluded her in the United States, she eventually moved to Germany in the 1930s. While initially working in various roles, by 1940 she found herself employed by the Reichs-Rundfunk-Gesellschaft, Germany's state radio. It was here that she began her ascent into the world of psychological warfare, eventually becoming a distinctive voice on the airwaves targeting American soldiers, a role that would ultimately define her legacy and lead to her downfall.

"Axis Sally": The Voice of Disillusionment

Operating under the moniker "Axis Sally"—a nickname she shared with Italian-American broadcaster Rita Zucca—Gillars' programs were a sophisticated blend of popular American music, sentimental stories, and deeply unsettling propaganda. Her broadcasts, often delivered with a soothing yet manipulative tone, would play requests for American servicemen, only to follow them with messages designed to undermine their morale. She frequently suggested that their wives and sweethearts back home were unfaithful, questioned the motives of the Allied leadership, and highlighted the futility of the war, often mentioning casualty lists to instill fear and despair. For many American GIs listening in the field, her voice became a chilling, unforgettable reminder of the enemy's psychological tactics, a voice meant to plant seeds of doubt and longing in the hearts of soldiers far from home.

Capture, Trial, and Treason Conviction

With the cessation of hostilities in Europe, Mildred Gillars was among the high-priority targets for Allied intelligence, particularly the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Corps. She was ultimately apprehended in post-war Berlin in 1946 by U.S. agents. Her return to the United States marked the beginning of a landmark legal battle. In a highly publicized trial that captivated the nation, Gillars was charged with treason against the United States, a grave accusation for actively aiding an enemy during wartime. On March 10, 1949, she was convicted, making history as the first woman to be found guilty of treason against her home country. The court sentenced her to a term of ten to thirty years' imprisonment, a severe penalty underscoring the gravity of her wartime actions and the impact of her broadcasts.

Imprisonment and Later Life

Mildred Gillars served her sentence at the Federal Reformatory for Women in Alderson, West Virginia. During her incarceration, she reportedly embraced Catholicism and sought to live a more devout life, taking vows as a secular nun. After twelve years, having earned parole for good behavior, she was released in 1961. Following her release, Gillars largely retreated from public life, choosing a quiet existence away from the spotlight that had once shone so harshly upon her. She dedicated her remaining years to teaching music and German at a convent school, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace in Columbus, Ohio, where she worked for several years, ultimately passing away on June 25, 1988, at the age of 87.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Mildred Gillars?
Mildred Gillars was an American woman who gained notoriety during World War II for working as a broadcaster for Nazi Germany. She disseminated propaganda primarily aimed at demoralizing Allied troops and was widely known by her radio nickname, "Axis Sally."
What exactly was "Axis Sally's" role during WWII?
"Axis Sally" (a moniker shared by Mildred Gillars and Rita Zucca) used radio broadcasts that mixed popular American music with insidious propaganda messages. These messages sought to undermine Allied morale by suggesting infidelity among soldiers' loved ones back home, questioning the war's purpose, and spreading misinformation to sow doubt and despair.
Was Mildred Gillars the only "Axis Sally"?
No, Mildred Gillars shared the "Axis Sally" nickname with another broadcaster, Rita Zucca. Rita Zucca was an Italian-American woman who also worked for Axis powers, primarily from Rome, targeting Allied soldiers with similar propaganda tactics. While both were known by the same nickname, they operated from different locations and had distinct broadcasting styles.
What was Mildred Gillars convicted of?
Mildred Gillars was convicted of treason against the United States for her role in broadcasting enemy propaganda during wartime. Her conviction in 1949 marked a significant moment as she was the first American woman to face and be found guilty of this severe charge.
What happened to Mildred Gillars after the war?
After being captured in post-war Berlin in 1946, Gillars was extradited to the U.S., tried, and sentenced to ten to thirty years in prison for treason. She was released on parole in 1961 after serving twelve years. Following her release, she lived a quiet life, teaching music and German at a convent school until her death in 1988.