The theme reminds me somewhat of the Terry Pratchet book "Guards! Guards!" which was dedicated to "They may be called the Palace Guard, the City Guard, or the Patrol. Whatever the name, their purpose in any work of heroic fantasy is identical: it is, round about Chapter Three (or ten minutes into the film) to rush into the room, attack the hero one at a time, and be slaughtered. No one ever asks them if they want to.
This book is dedicated to those fine men."
I’m also reminded of Redshirts, by John Scalzi.