Those interned in the Vernet d'Ariège Internment Camp that were regarded as more revolutionary and intransigent were deported to Algeria by the French government to work on the railway. He was released after the Allied invasion of North Africa, and he enlisted in the Free French Army as a volunteer for the entire duration of the war. He participated in several battles against the Nazi Afrika Korps and was promoted to sergeant. He embarked for France where the first Allied landing integrated into the French army took place. He progressed through Aix-en-Provence and Lyon, receiving various distinctions from his commanders. His most important participation occurred in the liberation of Belfort, which was worth a distinction signed by Charles De Gaulle. The body in which Ortiz was integrated continued its offensive into German territory, taking Karlsruhe and Pforzheim, where he was wounded.