An old Mr. Ryan walks through a military graveyard in the very beginning of the movie. This elderly gentleman pauses at the grave of John Miller and remembers his younger days in the military. John Miller, played by Tom Hanks, is a captain in the US Army during World War II. The opening battle depicts the landing at Normandy in an incredibly realistic and gory action scene. After D-Day is completed, Miller is given another assignment to save Private Ryan. James Ryan, portrayed by Matt Damon, is the brother of three US soldiers who have already been killed in combat. The American government has decided that he should be found and brought back home. Miller and his men wander through Western Europe in search of the elusive Private Ryan. After losing a few men, the Miller and his platoon find Ryan, only to discover that Ryan does not want to return home. After Ryan makes his decision, Miller and the rest of the company engage in a final battle for their lives.