We see men fighting for a multitude of reasons. It is a commonplace that the infantryman's primary loyalty is to his combat buddies, but this film shows clearly that Americans have always sacrificed themselves in war to protect strangers or uphold worthy causes, as well. We also see that the key to effective combat leadership is the willingness to share hardship. What matters most from that point on is that this combat leader shares fully in the dangers and deprivations he asks his men to face. They know he will not ask them to do anything he would not dare to do.
Men sometimes die anyway, no matter what the best combat leaders decide or do.
In war, dying is an occupational hazard. In one of the film's most moving leadership scenes, Miller approves the use of extra priceless morphine to ease the final pain-wracked moments of the medic, who is beyond saving. In an instant, the difference between rational, marketplace decision making and true combat leadership becomes stark and clear. This also affirms that Saving Private Ryan is a love story, among other things. I think so.