March 25

Li Kening was a military leader in China during the collapse of the Tang dynasty. He rose to prominence amid the power vacuum of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era. Historical records on his life are scarce, but he is noted for his loyalty to his lord and strategic acumen. He participated in key battles that shaped the emerging states after the Tang collapse. His death in 908 marked the end of his contributions during one of China's most turbulent periods.

Taira no Masakado was a powerful samurai in 10th-century Japan. He led a major rebellion against the imperial government in 939, declaring himself the New Emperor of the East. His uprising was driven by disputes over land and court politics during the Heian period. Despite initial successes, his forces were defeated and he was killed in battle in 940. After his death, Masakado became a popular folk hero and was later deified as a protective Shinto kami. His legacy endures in local festivals and shrines dedicated to his memory.

Kō no Moronao was a prominent samurai commander of the Ashikaga shogunate in the 14th century. He served as a close adviser to Shogun Ashikaga Takauji and wielded significant political power. Moronao played a key role in the Nanboku-chō wars, guiding shogunal strategy against rival courts. His reforms strengthened the shogunate's authority over feudal lords. However, his influence bred resentment among other samurai families. He was assassinated in 1351 amid intense court intrigues and factional rivalries.

Kō no Moroyasu was a key military leader under Shogun Ashikaga Takauji in 14th-century Japan. As the brother of Kō no Moronao, he shared in directing shogunal policies and military campaigns. He commanded forces during the Nanboku-chō conflicts, supporting the Northern Court. Moroyasu's strategic acumen helped maintain shogunal dominance amidst civil war. He was assassinated alongside his brother in 1351 during a violent power struggle. His death underscored the dangerous politics of the early Muromachi period.

Hosokawa Yoriyuki was a leading samurai and political figure during the Muromachi period. He held the office of Kyoto Kanrei, acting as the shogun's deputy in the capital. Yoriyuki led administrative reforms to centralize the Ashikaga shogunate's authority over rival clans. He managed diplomatic relations and supervised government functions in Kyoto. Under his leadership, the Hosokawa clan rose to national prominence. He died in 1392, leaving a legacy as both a warrior and an effective statesman.

Ikoma Chikamasa was a samurai leader and head of the Ikoma clan who served under Oda Nobunaga and later Toyotomi Hideyoshi. As daimyō of Takamatsu Domain, he played a strategic role in key military campaigns including the Battle of Shizugatake and the Siege of Odawara. After Hideyoshi's death, he successfully navigated the turbulent transition to Tokugawa rule and secured his family's status in the early Edo period. He was known for both his martial prowess and his administrative reforms, which helped stabilize his domain. His legacy continued through his descendants, who remained influential in Japanese politics for generations.

Robert Edward Madgwick (1905–1979) was an Australian Army officer and academic administrator who served with distinction during World War II before transitioning to higher education. As a senior lecturer at the University of Tasmania, he advocated for adult and continuing education programs that expanded access for working students. In 1961, Madgwick became the inaugural vice-chancellor of James Cook University, guiding its development into a major institution in northern Australia. He championed regional research initiatives in tropical agriculture and marine science, aligning the university’s mission with local needs. Madgwick’s leadership emphasized community engagement and innovative teaching models. His dual career in military service and academia exemplifies a commitment to national development and education reform.

Born in 1920, John F. Wiley served as a lieutenant during World War II before returning home to excel as a guard for the University of Pittsburgh football team. After a decorated playing career, he embarked on coaching, leading programs at his alma mater and later at West Virginia University. Wiley was known for his strategic acumen, developing robust defenses and mentoring future professional players. His leadership extended off the field, where he emphasized discipline and character-building in his athletes. Over decades, Wiley's contributions helped shape collegiate football coaching standards. He is remembered as a dedicated mentor and pioneer in American college athletics.