European land battles in WWII were often dominated by the heavily armed and well-protected German Panzer units – tanks capable of taking entire countries in just a matter of days. These tanks were the ultimate marriage of wartime power and speed, and this marriage reigned supreme on land until 1942.

Across the pond in the United States tanks were being produced at a staggering rate but were much more inferior in their design and abilities when put on the same field with the German Panzers. The Americans made up for their lack of firepower and speed by producing tanks that were the ultimate in style and comfort. For this, the United States war machine asked for help from cousins Edward M. Knabusch and Edwin J. Shoemaker the inventors of the recliner and the founders of La-Z-Boy. They were given the task of designing the interiors of most American-made tanks, some of which were also produced for the French military.

The cousins focused their efforts on the Sherman tank design as that was the workhorse of the American tanks. Naturally the tank’s seating was of great concern so as to provide superior comfort for the tank drivers, navigators, and gunners. Most seating was made of a 12-gauge steel recline mechanism, stretching out to 85″ when fully reclined.  Suede coverings, dual cupholders and a primitive mini-fridge completed the control area where most of the personnel spent their time in combat. The personnel rarely complained of lower-back pain and some were able to enjoy the massage chairs featured in later tank models.

Proud owners of a La-Z-Boy recliner.

Panzer production and re-engineering dramatically fell by 1943 as America was in full stride in their tank production. The overwhelming number of American tanks overtook the failing Panzers and contributed to the fall of Berlin in 1944. However, it was the Barcalounger-equipped Russian tanks that first enjoyed the occupation of Berlin – a feat that Barcalounger reminds La-Z-Boy of quite often at recliner conventions.