Sgt. Alderman is currently the Head Wrestling Coach at Carterville High School, He’s served in that position since 2019 and was their assistant coach two years prior. He also served as an assistant coach at Marion High School in 2011 and 2012. 

Dan enlisted into the United States Army in 2002. He became an 11B1P (Infantry Soldier Airborne Certified). He was a team leader, assistant squad leader, special weapons gunner and division liaison. 

Dan was deployed to Afghanistan in 2004 and later deployed to Iraq in 2006. 

In Dan’s own words, “During a night mission to do route reconnaissance, my up-armored Humvee ran over a pressure switch and detonated an IED (improvised explosive device). I was severely injured and flown by emergency medevac helicopter to the field hospital in Kirkuk, Iraq. After hours of surgery, the doctors had to amputate my left leg. After a week of medical treatment in Germany, I was then flown to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I learned how to adapt to my injuries and utilize my new prosthetic device. After one year of rehabilitation, I returned to active duty. I returned to my unit at Schofield Barracks Hawaii.” 

For his meritorious service to our country and continued contribution to the great sport of wrestling, the Illinois Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is proud to honor Dan Alderman with its 2022 Medal of Courage.