In January 1936, with the rank of colonel and commander of the 7th Alpini Regiment (part of the 5th Alpine Division Pusteria), he left for East Africa, where he participated in the conquest of Ethiopia.

He distinguished himself in the course of war operations, being decorated with a second bronze medal for military valor for his role in the battle of Maychew, and returning to Italy in 1937.

[1][2][3][4] With the entry of the Kingdom of Italy into World War II, which took place on 10 June 1940, he was appointed Chief of Staff of Army Group West, taking part in operations on the French front.

[1][2][3][4] Battisti led the "Cuneense" during the fighting on the Don river in the summer and autumn of 1942; when the Axis lines were breached by Operation Little Saturn during winter, and the ARMIR began its harrowing retreat through the steppe, he refused to be evacuated on a plane made available by the German command, choosing to share the fate of his Alpini.

In the night between 26 and 27 January 1943 the divisional headquarters were encircled by Soviet troops, and after the failure of every attempt to break through, all its members were taken prisoner.