An American science fiction author, he created such colorful characters as Bolo the Self-Aware Tank and Retief the Galactic Diplomat. He is also known for his Imperium and Lafayette O'Leary series.
He was an officer in the United States Air Force, and he also served as a U.S. diplomat.
A model airplane enthusiast, he created two dozen designs for Model Airplane News, Flying Models, and other publications.
He grew up in Syracuse, New York. His brother, March Laumer, also had a career as a writer.
He and Sam Johnson both served in the U.S. Air Force.