Benjamin Church, American colonel (born 1639)

Colonel Benjamin Church was a New England military officer and politician who is best known for his role in innovative military tactics notably developing unconventional warfare. He is also known for commanding the first ranger units in North America. Born in the Plymouth Colony, Church was commissioned by Governor Josiah Winslow to establish a company of Rangers called after the outbreak of King Philip's War. Church participated in numerous conflicts which involved the New England Colonies. The force of New Englanders he led tracked down and killed Wampanoag sachem Metacomet, a major factor in ending the conflict.