Sergente Cesare Magistrini began his lengthy aviation career as a World War I flying ace credited with six confirmed and four unconfirmed aerial victories.

[2] After Italy entered World War I, Magistrini began flying training in December 1915.

Nevertheless, the wound did not prevent him from scoring his first aerial victory on 17 June, when he forced an enemy Albatros to land.

One week later, in concert with Ferruccio Ranza and Gastone Novelli, he shot down a German two-seater, killing both members of its air crew.

Magistrini's Silver Medal award for this action noted he had engaged in 20 aerial combats[2][1] He was slightly wounded in the right knee on 18 February 1918.

He was awarded a Bronze Medal for Military Valor, as well as a Serbian decoration[2] Cesare Magistrini joined the Fascist Party in October 1922.