Gutterman was a character who was written out of the show after the first few episodes.
In the television series “Black Sheep Squadron,” which aired from 1976 to 1978, the character 2nd Lieutenant Lawrence “Larry” Gutterman, played by actor James Whitmore Jr., was one of the original pilots of VMF-214, the famed squadron led by Major Greg “Pappy” Boyington during World War II. However, Gutterman’s character did not have a long run on the show. After appearing in the first few episodes, his character was no longer featured.
The series, also known as “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” was loosely based on the experiences of the real-life Marine Corps aviator Gregory “Pappy” Boyington and his squadron of fighter pilots. The show took creative liberties with historical accuracy and character development, which was common for television series of that era. As a result, some characters, like Gutterman, were phased out without a detailed explanation for their departure. This was often due to the need to adjust storylines, focus on other characters, or changes in the show’s direction by the producers and writers. Consequently, Gutterman’s absence was not addressed in the storyline, leaving viewers to speculate or assume that he was transferred or reassigned within the context of the war.
