America 250: William Jasper

William Jasper enlisted in the Continental Army on July 7, 1775. On June 28, 1776, he became a hero at Sullivan’s Island by raising a fallen flag under fire. Jasper was killed in 1779 during the Siege of Savannah.

William Jasper was a soldier in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. On July 7, 1775, he enlisted in the elite grenadier company of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment. He earned lasting recognition on June 28, 1776, during the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. After enemy fire struck down the fort’s flag, Jasper retrieved it under heavy fire and raised it again on a makeshift staff. In recognition of his bravery, South Carolina President John Rutledge presented Jasper with his own sword and offered him an officer’s commission, which Jasper declined. Jasper was later killed in 1779 during the Siege of Savannah while again attempting to rally American troops under fire.