He was able to get permission from the mental hospital to travel to Finland, where he enlisted with the Nazis. However, the short, out of shape and unreliable Bode soon became a burden and was sent home with an under-officer degree from the Nazi army.
He obtained authorization from the mental institution to travel to Finland, where he joined the Nazis. However, the short, unfit and untrustworthy Bode soon became a hindrance and was returned home with an inferior officer rank from the Nazi army.