Career
He was killed leading his men in the Battle of Nikolayevka. In 1935 went to the conquest of Ethiopia and in 1939 of Albania, where he distinguished himself. From 1937 to 1941 he was chief of staff of the 3rd Alpine Division Julia.
In 1939 he published a book titled "Il grande capo d"una grande impresa", edited by "Societa Studi Valdesi", about the qualities of the military leader Duca d"Aosta in 1690 against the French.
In 1942 as a Brigadier general he went to Russia in the ranks of the Corpo d"Armata Alpino, as part of the Armata Italiana in Russia. Upon seeing the Alpini of the Edolo battalion, Martinat reportedly said "with the Edolo I started, with the Edolo I want to end" (the Edolo battalion had been the first unit where he had served).
He took up a rifle, led his men in battle, and was killed. His sacrifice opened the road for the Italian withdrawal at the Battle of Nikolayevka.
The town of Perrero, where was born, has dedicated a monument to him in May 1950.