George Herman "Babe" Ruth, The Sultan of Swat, in Uniform

While his legendary status was cemented on the diamond, George Herman "Babe" Ruth's relationship with the American military was one of high-profile patriotism and symbolic service. Though he never saw active combat, the "Big Bam" utilized his immense celebrity to bolster national morale through two World Wars.

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The 1924 Enlistment

In a spectacle fitting for the era's biggest star, Ruth enlisted in the New York Army National Guard on May 30, 1924. He was sworn in by Colonel James Austin at a public ceremony in Times Square.

As a member of the 104th Field Artillery, Ruth's service was largely ceremonial and intended to drive recruitment. Photos of the era often show the 215-pound slugger struggling to fit into his standard-issue uniform—a sight that brought smiles to a public still recovering from the Great War.

Homefront Contributions

• World War I: Ruth registered for the draft in 1917, but his number was never called. While many of his peers went overseas, he remained stateside, winning two games for the Red Sox in the 1918 World Series.

• World War II: At age 46, Ruth was considered too old for active duty. However, he became a tireless advocate for the war effort. He toured the country for War Bond drives, participated in charity golf tournaments, and played in exhibition games to raise funds for the Red Cross.

"I've got a lot to be thankful for. I've been a lucky guy." — Babe Ruth, during a 1940s fundraiser.

Legacy of Morale

Ruth served as a symbol of American strength. To the troops overseas, the Babe represented the "American Dream" they were fighting to protect. Even in his final years, he continued to visit wounded veterans, proving that his impact reached far beyond the outfield walls of Yankee Stadium.