This was the film which fixed Wayne's image forever as a tough-as-leather patriot with a well-hidden heart. As Sgt. John M. Stryker, he works his platoon into the ground during training, but their hatred turns to respect when they hit the beach for some of the toughest battles of WW2.
Lots of noisy tin-hat action, the full range of platoon stereotypes and that famous flag-raising finale, this is the movie that every Vietnam Vet loves to hate - though it is noticeable that a lot of the good guys do get killed.