What did John Miller mean by saying 'earn this earn it' in the film Saving Private Ryan?
When Captain Miller told Ryan to "earn this," he meant that Ryan
(having possibly been saved from death by the actions of the
platoon) had a duty to live his life in an upright, moral, and
meaningful way.
Ryan is not certain that he has done so, but it is suggested
very strongly that he has, out of respect for the bravery and
sacrifice of the men whose mission was to bring him home.