Episode Details

Few fighter squadrons of World War II have achieved the legendary status of the Black Sheep. In just four short months in late 1943, the Marines of VMF-214, led by Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, established, for themselves and the Vought Corsair, a reputation that would live on long after the war. That reputation was so formidable it led to the short-lived and controversial TV series Baa Baa Black Sheep in 1976. But where does the true history end and Hollywood begin?   

In this episode of Warbird Tube, we welcome aviation historian and author Stephen Chapis to explore how their wartime story became part of popular culture through the 1970s television series Baa Baa Black Sheep. A series that the real Black Sheep veterans despised. Stephen’s book, Poor Little Lambs: The Baa Baa Black Sheep Story, is the result of years of research, interviews, rare photographs, and firsthand accounts examining the making of the series and the remarkable collection of warbirds that brought the Black Sheep back to life on television.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/LrsdpOntz_o.

Aired on: September 23, 2026

Guest: Stephen Chapis

Host: Steve Buss

Producer: Bob Score

Produced by: Commemorative Air Force

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