William David Frazer (1884–1963) was an American military officer, Olympic sport shooter, and author. Born in Niagara Falls, New York, Frazer pursued a dedicated career in the United States Army, eventually rising to the rank of colonel within the Coast Artillery Corps. Alongside his military duties, he developed a high level of expertise in marksmanship, which allowed him to represent his country on the international sporting stage. Frazer's athletic peak occurred during the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he competed in the 25-meter rapid fire pistol event, securing an eleventh-place finish. His deep practical knowledge of firearms and competitive shooting culminated in his literary contribution, American Pistol Shooting, published by Dutton in 1929. Written while he was still a major in the Army, the book offered comprehensive instruction on the techniques, mechanics, and mental discipline required for effective pistol marksmanship. Frazer spent his later years in the Pacific Northwest, passing away in Seattle, Washington, in 1963.
