Kramer was born January 20, 1865, in
Germany and after entering the navy was sent to fight in the Spanish–American War aboard the U.S.S. Marblehead as a seaman. On May 11, 1898, the Marblehead was given the task of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba. During the operation and facing heavy enemy fire,
Kramer continued to perform his duties throughout this action. He died on April 18, 1924, in
New York City and is buried in
Calvary Cemetery,
Woodside, New York. ==Medal of Honor citation==