von wulffen marched with the brigade to the field and participated in the combats in belgium in august 1914 and later in the france during september and october of that year. he was transferred to "reserve-infanterie-regiment 271" in january 1915 and appointed commander of feld-battalion 26. von wulffen was transferred with his unit to the eastern front and participated in the combats in galicia until august 1916, when he was transferred to the staff of xxxx reserve corps under general of infantry, karl litzmann as corps adjutant. for his service in the early phase of the world war i, von wulffen was decorated with the both classes of iron cross.