From 1917 he fought in the Macedonian front of World War I. He particularly distinguished himself in the Battle of Skra-di-Legen in May 1918, where he was wounded and received a field promotion to lieutenant colonel. In the Asia Minor Campaign, he served as deputy commander and later commander of the 53rd Infantry Regiment. He was once more distinguished during the long and successful retreat of his parent unit, the Independent Division, to the sea and Lesbos after the Battle of Dumlupinar. He continued his service as regimental and divisional commander, and retired with the rank of Major General on 10 October 1929.