Senator Corbett Honors San Leandro's Michael 'Mickey' Ganitch as 'Veteran of the Year'

A 93-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, Ganitch was stationed 100 feet in the air and was responsible for reporting the position of enemy planes during the Japanese attack during World War II on December 7, 1941. 

Ganitch courageously served on the USS Pennsylvania, which was bombed and suffered multiple casualties, including the loss of over 20 crew members.

A few years later, Ganitch was aboard the USS Pennsylvania at Okinawa when a torpedo hit the ship on August 12, 1945. The torpedo hit one of the propellers on the battleship, water rushed in and rose up into the living compartment of the Quartermasters.

Ganitch was a Quartermaster at that time and lost 26 men that night. The ship was towed to shallow water the next morning to avoid sinking. That same morning, the Japanese asked for peace.

“Mickey Ganitch embodies the essence and spirit of a patriot,” Corbett said. “Ever since fighting bravely to defend our freedoms during World War II and surviving the attacks at Pearl Harbor and Okinawa, he has continued to distinguish himself in the East Bay as an active community leader and local citizen. Even in his 90’s, Mr. Ganitch continues to advocate tirelessly on behalf of active military service members, as well as veterans and their families, and honors daily the sacrifices endured by those that died in battle.  I am proud to name Mickey Ganitch as the 2013 10th Senate District ‘Veteran of the Year’.”

Ganitch remains active in many community organizations, including Pearl Harbor Survivors, Disabled American Veterans, Fleet Reserve Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, as well as helping transport veterans to their medical appointments and serving as head usher at his church for almost 50 years.

Senator Corbett recognized Ganitch at a Veterans Recognition Luncheon held Wednesday in Sacramento.