The following text and scans have been taken from TB 746-93-1, "Color and Marking of Military Vehicles, Construction Equipment and Materials Handling Equipment" dated October 1964, Headquarters, Department of the Army.  This manual specifies the parameters of how details in stars, placement and paint is to be done on all vehicle types for the Mid-60's.  Please remember, these are only excerpts and you should purchase a copy for the complete information.  I've listed enough information to probably answer your question or get you started down the correct path.  Portrayal Press  (Parts and Suppliers section) can provide these reprints.

I'll be working as time permits on the 1950's version of the manual as well.  Stay tuned.

Section 1. GENERAL

1. Purpose.  a. This bulletin is published to define the color and marking requirements for Department of the Army military vehicles (except commercial design), construction and highway maintenance equipment, and motorized materials handling equipment. b. Special color and marking requirements for commercially designed vehicles in administrative use are contained in AR 58-1.  Only military design vehicles will be included in this bulletin. 2. Scope.  a. The instructions contained herein apply to all Department of the Army activities and installations using, maintaining or procuring such vehicles or equipment.  Certain and specific exceptions to this normal color and marking requirements are identified in later sections of this bulletin. b. Instructions for application of special technical markings not shown herein are located in specific Department of the Army publications. c. Instructions for the painting of vehicles and equipment will be found in TM 9-213, provisions of which are included in this bulletin by reference. 3. Exceptions.  a. Requests for waivers to the provisions of these regulations or for authorization to apply additional markings will be forwarded with full justification to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Supply and Maintenance Command, ATTN: AMSSM-MM, Washington D.C. 20315. b. Vehicles used for intelligence, criminal investigation, and similar purposes requiring concealment of the true identity of the activity involved may be painted and marked as deemed appropriate by the responsible commander.  The proper identification of such vehicles will be marked in inconspicuous locations as prescribed in applicable Department of the Army technical publications. 4. General.  a. Markings which are not of the authorized style, or are not in approved locations, per this bulletin, will be changed or relocated at the time of vehicle repainting, or when the condition of the existing marking becomes unsuitable due to deterioration or damage. b. Vehicles and equipment will be repainted only when required for material preservation purposes, and not solely for the purpose of changing colors, unless necessary for safety or security.  Vehicles and equipment in storage will be marked per this bulleting when withdrawn from storage or placed in service. c. Any new markings applied will conform to the requirements of this bulletin. d. Markings in addition to those prescribed or authorized in this bulletin will be applied only on specific approval of the Department of the Army (para. 3a) or as identified in official Department of the Army publications. e. Markings peculiar to any vehicle, or series of vehicles, will be applied per the instructions in this bulletin.  Description, identification, and location of vehicle peculiar markings will be found in the vehicle technical manual. f. Under tactical conditions, when it becomes necessary to conceal the markings, all such prominent markings may be covered with temporary paint (Paint, temporary, lusterless, gasoline removable MIL-P-13983) on authority of the responsible commander.  Such markings may also be temporarily covered with oil, dirt, mud, or other readily removable substance for camouflage purposes.

Section II. DESCRIPTIONS

5. Description of Markings.  a. All letters and numerals used in the marking of vehicles and equipment will be of the gothic style illustrated in figure 1.  Thickness of the characters (stroke width) will be between 1/6 and 1/7 of their height. Figure 1 - (Click on the picture to see an enlarged version.  To return to this page, use your Browsers BACK button.  While viewing in your browser, you can Print from there.) b. All markings will be of the maximum practical size to be seen at optimum distances unless specifically identified with this bulletin. c. Permanent markings will be applied in either the stencil and paint method or by means of pressure sensitive adhesive vinyl markings conforming to MIL-D-8634B.  The same markings method will be used for adjacent markings, or for the same markings on other areas of the same vehicle or piece of equipment.  Refer to TM 9-213 for application instructions. (1) Stencil and Paint.  Paper stencils are available as individual letters, numerals, and legends of various sizes, and may be located by Federal stock number under FSC 7520, Federal Stock Catalog C6-14-SL. (2) Pressure sensitive adhesive vinyl.  Markings made of this material are available as die cut letters, numerals, and legends of various sizes, and may be located by Federal stock number in SM 10-1-7600, FSC 7690. d. Temporary markings will be applied with a gasoline soluble paint or removable vinyl markings, in accordance with instructions contained herein. e. Markings on vehicles and equipment will be applied as follows: (1) Lusterless white, Color Chip No. 37875-for vehicles painted olive drab or other dark color. (2) Gloss black, Color Chip No. 17038-for vehicles painted yellow, white or other light color. 6. Description of Colors.  a; Refer to AR 746-5, for color requirements for specific usages other than those listed herein. b. Vehicles assigned to Explosives Ordnance Disposal Units will have all fenders painted in one of the following colors: (1) Gloss red, Color Chip No. 11136 on vehicles painted gloss or semi-gloss olive drab. (2) Lusterless red, Color Chip No. 31136 on vehicles painted lusterless olive drab.

Section III. IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS

7. Agency Identification.  a. The identification legend "U. S. Army" will be marked on all vehicles and equipment within the scope of this bulletin unless otherwise specified. b. The legend will be applied in letters 3 inches high.  Smaller letters may be used only when the vehicle or equipment design is such that space at the marking location is limited and will not accept 3-inch size. c. This marking will be applied at the following locations.  For vehicles and equipment, where design configuration does not coincide with the examples, the terminology "appropriate surfaces" is included, and is intended to complete legend location instructions.  Location examples as shown in succeeding paragraphs are mandatory. (1) Trucks (fig. 2) (a) At side edges of the hood, each side of the truck. (b) Across cargo truck tailgates, across flat body rear sills, below rear cab window on truck tractors (above if required due to space limitation) across rear of van bodies or tank trucks, or another appropriate rear surface of other body types. Figure 2 - (Click on the picture to see an enlarged version.  To return to this page, use your Browsers BACK button.  While viewing in your browser, you can Print from there.) 8. Registration Numbers.  a. Registration numbers will be marked on all vehicles and equipment to which such numbers are assigned as defined in AR 700-10. b. The registration number marking will be applied immediately below the agency identification with a space of 2 inches between the two, where space permits.  Normally, the registration number is applied directly below the agency identification on the sides of the vehicle or equipment.  Refer to figures 2 through 8. c. The registration number will be applied directly in line with and to the right of the agency identification if this arrangement is more suitable because of location and space restriction.  Normally, the registration number is marked to the right of the agency identification on the rear of the vehicle or equipment an don frame rail surfaces.  Refer to figures 2 through 8. d. The registration number marking will be applied in the same color, size, and method as the agency identification. 9. Unit Identification.  a. These markings will be applied to vehicles and equipment by units to which they are assigned.  The markings will be maintained at all times but will be removed when the vehicle or equipment is permanently transferred. b. The unit identification markings will normally appear on both the front and rear of each vehicle, usually on vehicle bumpers when the vehicle is so equipped.  Other suitable surfaces, front and rear, may be used provided the unit identification marking does not conflict with the location and legibility of other markings.  Where no suitable surface is available at the front or rear, the markings will be applied in an appropriate location on each side of the vehicle.  If necessary, the unit identification may be applied to the vehicle mounted equipment.  Refer to figures 2 through 8. c. The markings will be of uniform letters and numerals of the largest size practical to use.  They will not exceed the size of the registration number if on the same surface.  In no case will the unit identification markings exceed 4 inches in height.  Symbols used will be approximately the same size and stroke widths as the letter and numeral characters. d. The unit identification markings will be applied with a gasoline soluble paint or removable vinyl markings.  The markings will be applied in colors as prescribed in paragraph 5e. e. Unit identification markings, when painted will be applied with the use of stencils whenever possible.  When stencils or removable vinyl decals are not readily available, the markings may be applied free hand with a brush at the discretion of the unit commander. f. The unit identification markings are divided into 4 basic categories: (1) Major command, organization, activity. (2) Intermediate organization or activity. (3) Unit or activity. (4) Vehicle number. g. Major Command, Organization, or Activity are as follows: (1) Army.  The Arabic numeral as assigned, followed by the letter A. (2) Corps.  The Roman numeral as assigned, followed by the following applicable symbol: (a) Airborne. Letters AB. (b) Armored. Equilateral triangle with base down. (3) Division. Arabic numeral is assigned, followed by the following applicable symbol: (a) Airborne. Letters AB. (b) Armored. Equilateral triangle with base down. (4) Brigade. Arabic numeral as assigned, followed by letters BG. (5) Group. Arabic numeral as assigned, followed by letters GP. (6) Continental Army Command. Letters CARC. (7) Army Air Defense Command. Letters AADC. (8) Military District of Washington. Letters MDW. (9) Reception Center. Letters RC. (10) Replacement Training Center. Letters RTC, preceded by the applicable branch of service symbol. (11) Training Center.  Letters TC, preceded by the applicable branch of service symbol. (12) U.S. Army Materiel Command. Letters AMC. (13) U.S. Army Supply and Maintenance Command. Letters SMC. (14) U.S. Army Mobility Command. Letters MOCOM. (15) U.S. Army Missile Command. Letters MICOM. (16) U.S. Army Electronics Command. Letters ELC. (17) U.S. Army Munitions Command. Letters WCOM. (18) U.S. Army Weapons Command. Letters WCOM. (19) U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. Letters TEC. (20) U.S. Army Combat Development Command. Letters CDC. (21) Major Oversea Command. Appropriate and non-conflicting letters to properly identify the command. (22) Other Major Commands, Organizations, or Activities. Appropriate and non-conflicting letters and where applicable, numerals to properly identify the command, organization, or activity. h. Intermediate Organization or Activity is as follows: (1) Regiment Battalion, Separate Company or Detachment, or Similar Unit. Arabic numeral as assigned, followed by the applicable branch of service symbol. (a) Airborne. Letters AB. (b) Antiaircraft. Letters AA. (c) Amphibious. Letters APH. (d) Armored. Equilateral triangle with base down. (e) Chemical. Letter C. (f) Engineer. Letter E. (g) Field Artillery. Letter F. (h) Infantry. Letter I, to be separated from the numeral by a dash 1/2 inch long. (i) Medical. Letter M. (j) Military Police. Letter P. (k) Ordnance. Letter O, to be separated from the numeral by a dash 1/2 inch long. (l) Quartermaster. Letter Q. (m) Signal. Letter S. (n) Transportation. Letter T. (2) Organizations under the Combat Arms Regimental System (DA Pam 220-1). (a) Battle Group. (attached). Arabic numeral as assigned, followed by the letter B and basic identification of the infantry unit. (b) Reconnaissance Squadron. Arabic numeral assigned, followed by the letter R and basic identification of the cavalry unit. (c) Tank Battalion. Arabic numeral as assigned, followed by the armored symbol and basic identification of the armored unit. (d) Field Artillery Battalion. Arabic numeral as assigned, followed by the letter F and basic identification of the field artillery unit. (3) Installation. Appropriate non-conflicting letters, normally not to exceed 3, to identify the installation. (4) Other Intermediate organization or activity. Appropriate non-conflicting letters and where applicable, numerals, to properly identify the organization or activity. (5) No intermediate organization or activity. Letter X. i. Unit or Activity is as follows: (1) Company, Battery, or Other Company Type Unit. Letters as assigned, or one of the following symbols where applicable. (a) Headquarters and headquarters unit, or headquarters service unit. Letters HQ.  If the unit is of a battalion non previously identified, the numerical designation of the battalion will precede the letters HQ. (b) Service Unit. Letters SV.  When the unit is of a battalion not previously identified, the numerical designation of the battalion will precede the letters SV. (2) Separate company or detachment identified in h above. One of the following symbols, as applicable: (a) Ammunition. Letters AM. (b) Automatic Weapons. Letters AW. (c) Construction. Letters CON. (d) Depot.. Letters DP. (e) Guided Missile. Letters GM. (f) General Support. Letters GS. (g) General Automotive Maintenance. Letters GAS. (h) Heavy Weapons. Letters HW. (i) Maintenance. Letters MT. (j) Direct Support. Letters DS. (k) Missile. Letters MSL. (l) Mortar. Letters MR. (m) Parachute Maintenance. Letters PM. (n) Reconnaissance. Letter R. (o) Repair. Letters RP. (p) Rocket. Letters RT. (q) Other Name Units. Appropriate and non-conflicting letters, normally not to exceed three, to properly identify the name of the unit.  When necessary, the numerical designation of the battalion will precede the applicable symbol. (3) Transportation Motor Pools at installation. Letters TMP. (4) Organization or activity fully identified in h above. Letter X. j. The vehicles will be numbered as indicated below. (1) This marking is the sequence number of the vehicle in the normal order to march within the unit to which it is assigned. (2) Vehicles assigned to any headquarters will be numbered with the vehicles of the appropriate headquarters unit, and will be given the lower sequence numbers used therein. (3) Vehicles assigned to transportation motor pools may be assigned numbers in any appropriate sequence. k. Typical examples of the above markings are as follows: (1) 1A-X-HQ-4.  First United States Army, Hq and Hq Co, 4th vehicle. (2) VII-M-X-9.  VII Corps, Med Det, 9th vehicle. (3) 25-1B27-C-3.  25th Inf Div, 1st Battle Gp of 27th Inf, Co C, 3rd vehicle. (4) 4-2R8-A-6.  4th Inf Div, 2nd Recon Sq of 8th Cav, Trp A, 6th vehicle. (5) 3   -1   -21-B-7.  3rd Armd Div, 1st Tk Bn of 32nd Armor, Co B, 7th vehicle. (6) 10-2F7-C-2.  10th Inf Div, 2nd Bn of 7th FA, Btry C, 2nd vehicle. (7) 92AB-320F-D-5.  82nd Abn Div, 320th FA, Btry D, 5th vehicle. (8) 2   -1-150-A-8.  2nd Armd Div, 1st AR Bn of 50th Inf, Co A, 8th vehicle. (9) 2BG-532APH-A-4.  2nd Engr Amph Spt Brig, 532nd Amph Spt Regt, Trans Boat Co A, 4th vehicle. (10) 4GP-S-HQ-2.  4th Sig Gp, Hq & Hq Det, 2nd vehicle. (11) 2A-962-O-AM-5.  Second United States Army, 962nd Ord Ammo Co, 5th vehicle. (12) 4A-483Q-REF-1.  Fourth United States Army, 483rd QM Refrigerating Co, 1st vehicle. (13) 3A-1M-SUR-10.  Third United States Army, 1st Surg Hosp, 10th vehicle. (14) 5A-531TRK-7.  Fifty Unites States Army, 531st Trans Trk Co, 7th vehicle. (15) 1AADC-52ADA-3HQ-2.  1st Rgn Army Air Def Comd, 52nd Air Def Arty Rgt, Hq Btry of 3rd Msl Bn, 2nd vehicle. (16) TC-FE-TMP-12.  Trans Corp, Ft. Eustis, Trans Mtr Pool, 12th vehicle. (17) 6A-Fo-TMP-9.  Sixth United States Army, Ft. Ord, Trans Mtr Pool, 9th vehicle. l. The unit identification markings will be applied on one line, whenever possible and will consist of each of the four basic categories described above in the same order, and separated by dashes 1 inch long.  Where space is limited, requiring the use of two lines, the Major Command markings will appear directly above the Intermediate Activity, and the Unit Identification will appear directly above the Vehicle Number.  The first two categories will appear to the left of the last two categories. m. When directed on authority from the responsible commander for security purposes, the first and second categories listed in paragraph 9f(1) will be completely removed from all vehicles and equipment being shipped with units outside the continental United States.

Section IV. SPECIAL MARKINGS

12. Safety Markings.  d. DA Label 76 (A Good Driver) for promoting safe driving practices, may be requisitioned through normal publications supply channels, and will be applied to all motor vehicles as follows: (2) Truck, utility, 1.4 T, M38A1 - Center of the map compartment door. 13. Technical Markings. a. Tire Pressure.  The prescribed vehicle tire pressure will be marked on the dash of all motor vehicles and pneumatic tired equipment.  This marking will also be applied to the fenders above each wheel or, i fenders are not used, to the body or frame immediately above each wheel.  On towed vehicles or equipment, this marking will be applied to the body or frame immediately above each wheel. (1) The markings will consist of the numerals representing the proper pressures, preceded by the letters TP. (2) Letters and numerals will be 1 inch high an din the same color as the registration marking. b. Maximum Speed.  When maximum speed is specified by a manufacturer, or in an applicable technical manual, and when appropriate operation plates are not available, the maximum speed of the vehicle in its highest range and gear ration will be marked on the dash. (1) The marking will consist of the numerals representing maximum speed, preceded by the abbreviation "Max Speed". (2) Letters and numerals will be 1 inch high and in the same color as the registration marking. d. Engine Hood Safety Hook.  All tactical use wheeled vehicles which are equipped with an engine hood safety hook will be marked with the words "Warning: Secure Hood in Raised Position with Safety Hook Before Servicing Engine". (1) The marking will be applied at the rear area on the underside of the hood panel. (2) Letters of the marking will be 1 inch high, and white.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT MARKINGS

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