USS Astoria CA-34

Dear Sir:

I am interested in getting as much information that I can relative
to the USS Astoria, it's mission, how it fared during the conflict,
and most of all what was done in commemoration of the fallen sailors
that went down with the ship.  The reason for my inquiry is that I
am the name sake of Robert Raymond Collins, Gunner's Mate First
Class, who was my great uncle and was aboard the USS Astoria at
the time of the Battle of Savo Island.  For your information,
I now have a replacement Purple Heart that was awarded to "Red",
posthumously, and was in the care of one of his older brothers
for quite a few years following the war.  When this brother died,
it was understood, that I, the namesake of Robert Raymond Collins,
would be given his Purple Heart for safe keeping.  When it came
time to clean out the house of the brother, the Purple Heart was
no where to be found.  Late last year, before our Congress Woman,
 Helen Chenowith, left office, I contacted her and asked for her
help in obtaining a replacement Purple Heart.  After about 6 months,
I contacted the office of The Honorable Butch Otter, the current
representative for the 1st District, State of Idaho and asked about
the whereabouts of the Purple Heart.  Miraculously, it was in the
office, and had been there for about a month.  The people in the
office were so thankful that they were able to finally place the
medal in the hands of someone that was looking for it.  Since
that time, I contacted a Naval Liaison Office, in St. Louis,
seeking anymore information and more specifically, a copy of
the original declaration and award certificate that I am assuming
accompanies such decorations.  I want to give the medal its
special place in display in my office, where it will be seen by
young and old and will allow me to tell the story of a young
seaman who gave his life in defense of our country.  At the
time of his death, I believe he was 27.  He was born in August,
1914, the thirteenth child, eleven brothers and one sister,
my grandmother, my mom's mom.  My mom was born in April of 1914
and had an "uncle" that a was 4 months younger than her.
There is a lot more about this family that is so interesting,
but most important to me, at this time is to get as much
information about the USS Astoria and its last days.

Thank you for your help.