his service in Nicaragua, Sims was decorated with Nicaraguan Presidential Medal of Merit with Diploma. He then rejoined his former post at Philadelphia and remained in that capacity until June 1934, when he was transferred to Marine Corps Base Quantico as post athletic and amusement officer. Sims was sent as an instructor to the Basic School at Philadelphia Navy Yard in June 1935 and participated in the training of newly commissioned officers until May 1938. While in this capacity, he was promoted to major in summer 1936. Sims then served as Division Marine Officer, Battleship Division 1 under Rear Admiral Russell Willson at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii first aboard the battleship USS Maryland and the USS Arizona. He was transferred to Marine Barracks Parris Island in July 1940 and served as commanding officer of Post Troops until he was temporarily attached to the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Brigade at Guantanamo Bay during the Fleet Exercise. World War II While at Guantanamo, Sims was appointed executive officer of the newly activated 7th Marine Regiment in January 1941 and subsequently assumed command of 1st Battalion of his regiment. He participated in landing exercises at Guantanamo and at Culebra, Puerto Rico, until early spring when the regiment was ordered to the United States. Sims was promoted to lieutenant colonel in April 1941 and continued with the training of his battalion at Parris Island, South Carolina until October of that year, when he was reappointed as regimental executive officer. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the regiment went on immediate alert for a possible overseas deployment, which took place in April–May 1942. Guadalcanal The 7th Marines were stationed in Apia, Samoa as the part of newly created 3rd Marine Brigade under Brigadier General Charles D. Barrett and participated in the intensive jungle training until the late August 1942. The regiment then sailed for Guadalcanal, where it was attached to the 1st Marine Division under Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift. Sims went ashore on September 18, 1942, and replaced regimental commander, Colonel James W. Webb, who was relieved by Vandegrift two days later. Sims was promoted to the temporary rank of colonel for his new assignment. Sims led the regiment during the Actions along the Matanikau during September–October 1942 and then during the Battle for Henderson Field at the end of October. In mid-November 1942, the 1st and 2d Battalions of