He served in the Union Army during the American Civil War in the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry and was promoted to the rank of Color Sergeant.

He received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Third Battle of Petersburg in an assault on Confederate defenses on April 2, 1865.

He was awarded the Medal of Honor on March 2, 1895, almost 30 years after his actions.

Sergeant Babcock died in 1897 and is buried with his wife in the Riverside Cemetery in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Citation: Planted the flag upon the parapet while the enemy still occupied the line; was the first of his regiment to enter the works.