In Autumn 1916 he joined the National Defence uprising and was appointed as commander of the 2nd Regiment of the Serres Division, which he led to the front near Gevgelija (Macedonian front). He commanded the regiment in the Battle of Skra-di-Legen in May 1918, and became chief of infantry of the 3rd Infantry Division in August 1918. In May 1919, as chief of infantry of the 1st Infantry Division, he took part in the Greek landing at Smyrna and the subsequent operations for the capture of Aydin. He then led detachments of the Archipelago Division in the capture of Pergamon. He was later promoted to commander of the entire Archipelago Division whish he led in the Greek Summer Offensive of 1920, capturing Balikesir and Bursa.