American soldier, known in history as Sergeant Jasper, born in South Carolina about 1750; enlisted at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, in the Second South Carolina Regiment, and was one of the garrison of Fort Moultrie when it was attacked by the British fleet in 1776. Early in the action the colors were shot away, but Jasper, leaping through an embrasure in a perfect storm of cannon-shot, recovered the flag and planted it again upon the walls. In recognition of his bravery, Governor Rutledge gave him his own sword and offered him a commission, which he refused, because, as he said, he was “not fit to keep officers’ company, but only a sergeant.” Colonel Moultrie, however, gave him command of a roving squad, and in operations upon the outposts he often distinguished himself. In the attack upon Savannah, October 9, 1779, Sergeant Jasper accompanied d’Estaing and Lincoln, and was killed while attempting to fasten the colors of his regiment to the parapet.
