Franz was born in Nierstein, Germany on the 20th of January, 1865, and when he enlisted in the US Navy, he was in Massachusetts. It was his actions as a Seaman during the Spanish-American War that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Kramer set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Franz received his Medal of Honor on the 7th of July, 1899 and on the 18th of April, 1924, Franz Kramer died in New York City. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, New York.