I believe the process is easier for those who come as minor children with their (illegal) parents. Most likely this was the case for this man, although I don't know that. This man was proud enough of his adopted country to die for it, regardless of the paperwork, something too many native born are not willing to risk, being "too good" or worse "too important" to wear the uniform of their country. Their attitude being "Let George do it" or in this case "Let Jorge do it". (I know his name was Jose, but George and Jorge are the same name in different languages)