Renault FT-17

The Renault FT 17 or Automitrailleuse à chenilles Renault FT modèle 1917 was a French light tank; it is among the most revolutionary and influential tank designs in history. The FT 17 was the first tank with an armament in a fully rotating turret, and its configuration with the turret on top, engine in the back and the driver in front became the conventional one, repeated in most tanks until today; at the time it was a revolutionary innovation, causing armour historian Steven Zaloga to describe the type as "the world's first modern tank".

Renault FT 17 in Southern Victory
The FT 17 was hastily thrown into the fight towards the end of the Great War in order to stem the failing French lines, but was too late to prevent the collapse of France. Upon Irving Morrell's arrival at the Barrel Works in Kansas, the General saw pictures and read reports on the FT 17 and was heavily influenced by it's unique design; but thought the driver and commander communication methods hilarious.