William Jasper: Revolutionary War Hero and an Emblem of the American Spirit
William Jasper became a Revolutionary War hero through a single act of bravery that inspired his fellow soldiers to fend off a British attack. During the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in June 1776, as British forces bombarded Fort Sullivan, the fort's flag fell under heavy fire. Without hesitation, Jasper rushed under British gunfire, retrieved the flag, and hoisted it back up, holding it aloft with his hands to keep the banner flying above the fort. This courageous action reignited the resolve of the fort's defenders, motivating them to continue their fight and eventually secure a crucial victory that protected Charleston Harbor. Jasper’s courage and actions during the battle reflected the spirit of the American Revolution, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans to this day.
William Jasper raising the Moultrie Flag during the Battle of Sullivan's Island in 1776.
Jasper’s Early Life
William Jasper’s early life remains somewhat clouded by various stories and accounts. Some claim he was born in the American colonies to parents of Irish descent, while others suggest he was the son of a Welsh immigrant. However, the primary account is that he was born in 1750 in Germany as Johann Wilhelm Gasper. He immigrated to the American colonies in 1767 aboard the ship Minerva, arriving in Philadelphia. Illiterate at the time, Jasper marked an "X" to sign his oath of allegiance to the colonies, and a colonial scribe officially recorded his name as John William Jasper, the name he would carry for the remainder of his life.
Determined to build a life in America, Jasper embraced its promise of opportunity. After completing a period of indentured servitude in Pennsylvania, he moved south to seek his own land. By 1776, he enlisted in the Continental Army, driven by a desire to earn enough money to bring his fiancée, Elizabeth, from the North. Shortly after, the two were married.
The Battle of Sullivan’s Island
Jasper’s most famous contribution to the Revolution came during the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. At the onset of the war, the British had long sought control of Charleston Harbor, a key Southern port. Colonel William Moultrie was tasked with constructing a fort on Sullivan’s Island to defend the harbor and Charlestown. Soldiers of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, along with local volunteers, built the fort using palmetto logs, a tree native to the region with spongy wood that could absorb the impact of British cannon fire.
Fort Sullivan, present day (later renamed Fort Moultrie)
On June 28, 1776, before the fort was completed, the British Royal Navy launched a massive ten-hour bombardment on the unfinished structure. Moultrie hoisted the Moultrie Flag, also known as the Liberty Flag, above the fort in defiance. The flag was designed by Colonel Moultrie in 1775 at the request of the colony's governor, in preparation for the impending war with Great Britain.
Moultrie Flag design
During the battle, the Americans began running low on ammunition and only fired at British ships that ventured close enough. At one point, the Moultrie Flag was shot down and fell into a ditch outside the fort. Without hesitation, Jasper leaped from the wall, retrieved the fallen flag, and hoisted it back up, holding it with his hands until a new flagpole could be brought. His fearless act rallied the defenders and became a turning point in the battle, forcing the British to withdraw at sunset and saving Charleston.
The significance of the flag's presence on the battlefield was vital to morale, symbolizing defiance and unity. A fallen flag could signify surrender, while a raised one stood for continued resistance.
For his heroism, Jasper was presented with a sword by Governor John Rutledge and offered a commission as lieutenant. Jasper, however, humbly declined the commission, citing his lack of formal education and concern about embarrassing the Continental Army.
Fort Sullivan was later renamed Fort Moultrie in honor of Colonel Moultrie’s successful defense of the harbor.
Jasper’s Post-Battle Exploits and Death
After the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, Jasper was granted a "Roving Commission" by Colonel Moultrie and later by General Francis Marion, allowing him to lead small reconnaissance missions and raids against British forces. Jasper continued to demonstrate bravery, liberating American prisoners and capturing British soldiers, though many details of these missions remain scarce.
Jasper’s life came to a heroic end in 1779 during the Siege of Savannah. As American and French forces attempted to retake the city from the British, Jasper was mortally wounded while planting a flag during an assault. He died on October 9, 1779, a fitting tribute to his unwavering commitment to American independence.
Jasper’s Legacy and the Spirit of the Revolution
William Jasper’s courage under fire in 1776 rallied his fellow Americans and played a pivotal role in securing a vital Revolutionary victory. His brave act at Fort Sullivan became a lasting symbol of the American spirit—a spirit that inspired generations to expand, build, and defend the foundations laid by early patriots.
Jasper, along with other Revolutionary heroes, set the precedent for the American legacy that continues to this day, carried forward by each generation. Their courage and sacrifice have inspired future Americans to make their own contributions to the nation's progress and defend her at all costs, building on the foundation laid during the Revolution.
In honor of William Jasper, a monument was erected at Madison Square in Savannah, Georgia, commemorating his heroic contributions to the cause of American independence.
William Jasper Statue at Madison Square in Savannah, Georgia.