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William Jasper
Battle of Sullivans Island.jpg
Jasper raises the Moultrie Flag during the Battle of Sullivan's Island
Born c. 1750
Died October 9, 1779 (aged 29)
Savannah, Georgia
Allegiance United States
Service/branch Continental Army
Years of service 1775-1779
Rank Sergeant
Unit 2nd South Carolina Regiment
Battles/wars

William Jasper (born around 1750, died October 9, 1779) was a brave American soldier. He fought in the American Revolutionary War, also known as the Revolutionary War. He was a sergeant in the 2nd South Carolina Regiment.

Jasper became famous for his courage on June 28, 1776. During the Battle of Sullivan's Island, a British warship shot down the flag at Fort Moultrie. Jasper quickly grabbed the Moultrie Flag, put it on a temporary pole, and held it up while under enemy fire. He kept it flying until a new flagpole was set up. Because of his bravery, Governor John Rutledge gave Jasper his own sword.

In 1779, Sergeant Jasper took part in the Siege of Savannah. This was a battle led by General Lincoln to try and take back Savannah, Georgia from the British. Sadly, the attack failed, and Jasper was badly hurt during the fight. He later died from his injuries.

Jasper's story is often told alongside that of Sergeant John Newton. They were both remembered as heroes. Because of their fame, several states have counties named Jasper and Newton right next to each other.

Who Was William Jasper?

There are different stories about where William Jasper came from. One story says he was born Johann Wilhelm Gasper in Germany. He came to America in 1767 on a ship called Minerva. He was 16 years old when he arrived in Philadelphia.

When he got to Philadelphia, he had to sign an oath of loyalty. But Jasper could not read or write, so he just made an "X" mark. Someone else wrote "John William Jasper" next to it. He then worked for a few years to pay for his trip. After that, he moved south to find his own land.

Another story says William Jasper was the son of John Jasper. John was a blacksmith from Virginia who moved to Union County, South Carolina in the early 1770s.

What Happened at Fort Sullivan?

Jasper was sent to Sullivan's Island to help protect Charleston Harbor. He served under Colonel William Moultrie. Colonel Moultrie was in charge of defending Charleston from the British Navy. Just before the British arrived, Moultrie decided to build a fort.

Soldiers, enslaved people, and volunteers worked together to build the fort. They cut down palmetto trees and used them to build the walls. The fort was first called Fort Sullivan. Later, after the battle, it was renamed Fort Moultrie. The British attacked before the fort was fully finished.

The Moultrie flag was raised over the fort. A 10-hour battle began. The 2nd South Carolina Regiment had little ammunition. They only fired their cannons when British ships got very close. During the fight, the flag was shot down and fell into a ditch.

Jasper bravely jumped out of the fort to get the flag. He tied it to a cannon sponge staff and put it back up on the wall. He held it there until a new flagpole was put in place. Even the British noticed this act of courage. It showed them that the Americans were still fighting. With this boost in spirits, the Americans held out until sunset. The British then left. They did not manage to capture Charleston until several years later.

Because of Jasper's heroism, Governor John Rutledge gave him his personal sword. He also offered Jasper a promotion to lieutenant. But Jasper did not accept the offer. He said he would be embarrassed because he could not read or write. He was also given two silk flags by Mrs. Susannah Elliott.

What Was His Roving Commission?

Colonel Moultrie gave Jasper a special job. He was allowed to travel around the country with a few men. Their task was to gather information and surprise enemy outposts. This special job was later renewed by other famous leaders like Francis Marion and Benjamin Lincoln.

One famous story tells how Jasper and a friend, John Newton, rescued some American prisoners. They overpowered a group of British soldiers and captured them instead. While Jasper was indeed a hero, some of these stories were made even bigger by a storyteller named Parson Weems.

How Did Jasper Die at Savannah?

During the Siege of Savannah, William Jasper was badly wounded. He was trying to attach his regiment's flag to the fort's wall when he was hit. Even as he was dying, he held onto the flag. He carried the colors to a safe place before he passed away.

Places Named After William Jasper

Many places in the United States are named in honor of William Jasper:

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