Ryan (World at War)

"GET HIM OFF ME!"

- Ryan, about to be engulfed in flames

Private Ryan is a US Marine Raider under the command of Sergeant Sullivan during World War II. During a raid on Makin, he is grabbed by a burning Japanese soldier. Just like Private Roycewicz in Call of Duty 4, Miller (the player) has the choice to help him or let him die. Miller needs to kill the burning Japanese soldier before he grabs onto Ryan, in order to save him. If Miller does not save him, Ryan will burn to death. If he is saved, he may get killed while fighting the Japanese with the Marine Raiders. If he survives the part of the mission where the Raiders take out the first MG, Ryan will mount the MG and will not be seen for the rest of the mission.

The soldier's name is a reference to Steven Spielberg's movie Saving Private Ryan. Saving him on the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 version unlocks an achievement/trophy called "Saved Private Ryan", confirming the reference.