This entry happened to be part of a description of an archival collection at Auburn University. That library has done some excellent work with their files so that researchers may look at entry summaries and have a good idea of what to expect. In some cases all you need to know may be accessed on line.

I really can't answer questions about these records. However, as you know, it's common to find similar problems with large entries of names. For instance, there are any number of transcription mistakes in many newspaper casualty lists, and Federal POW records often include misspelled names and unit designation errors. I'm not surprised that the problems you have identified exist here.

If we can determine which way is up in these records, a few people will know more about the final resting place of their ancestors.