Babcock was born in Griswold, Connecticut. 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. Babcock was the first to enter the Confederate lines and planted the colors on top of the Confederate works. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on March 2, 1895, almost 30 years after his actions.