U.S. Naval Aircraft Marking
January 2, 1947
Display of unit identification letters was ordered on both sides of the vertical fin and rudder and on the upper right and lower left wing surfaces near the wing tips, thus requiring the relocation of several standard markings.
The model designation-branch of service-serial number grouping was moved from the vertical fin to the fuselage midway between the forward point of the horizontal stabilizer and the lowest point of the fuselage.
The unit aircraft number was moved from the rudder and fin to-the fuselage forward of the National Aircraft Insignia, except on patrol planes where it was placed aft, and also placed on the upper right and lower left wing surfaces inboard of the identification letters. Additional optional locations were specified as on each side of the upper half of the nose and on landing gear fairings.
The space for optional display of squadron insignia was moved to a point below the cockpit rim and forward of the windshield.
Display of unit decorations and campaign ribbons, arranged in a vertical row below the space reserved for squadron insignia, was also optional.
January 14, 1947
A horizontal red stripe, centered on the white horizontal bar, was added to the National Aircraft Insignia.
http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq2-1.htm
