They're a staple of war movies: The highly trained cadre of elite soldiers charged with the most difficult missions. They're outnumbered, outgunned, and deep behind enemy lines, with little chance of ever returning. They face long odds, but they get all the glory. They're men on a mission -- and we're paying tribute to the best of them in this photo gallery.

Saving Private Ryan, Adam Goldberg, Demetri Goritsas, Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Max Martini, 1998. Photo courtesy of the Everett Collection.