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NORWOOD, Ohio -Mary Brooks clutched 12 decks of "Iraqi Most Wanted" cards, the most she was allowed, at Thursday's tent sale at the headquarters of United States Playing Card Co.

"I thought it would be a great keepsake for our children some day," said Brooks, 46, of Cincinnati.
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The Defense Intelligence Agency originally produced 200 decks to help U.S. troops identify Iraqi government officials for capture. U.S. Playing Card, which was among several playing card manufacturers to notice the interest among the American public, produced 500,000 decks to be sold over the Internet through GreatUSAFlags.com.

The decks cost $5.95 each, although the company was selling decks for $5 on Thursday to benefit a local charity.

People stopped by the suburban Cincinnati company and bought decks by the dozens as collector items, gifts for family and friends, or in patriotic zeal.

Company employees hawked the cards from under a red-and-white-striped tent outside the headquarters building.

James Perdue, 52, said he bought 12 packs to give to his siblings and because he was curious.

"I wanted to see what these guys looked like," Perdue said, examining an Iraqi face on one of the cards.

If a photo wasn't available, a card shows the black shape of a head. The cards identify the Iraqis by name and title, and the backs are in military camouflage colors.

"We're thrilled that the Defense Intelligence Agency chose playing cards," said George White, vice president of marketing. "It's really captured the imagination of the American public.

Photos of the top-55 most wanted Iraqi officials are public images that can be obtained from the Defense Department and U.S. Central Command Web sites, Pentagon spokeswoman Diane Perry. said.

Twelve of the 55 officials have so far been taken into custody, she said. Three more have been killed.

ON THE NET

GreatUSAFlags: http://www.greatusaflags.com/

Defense Department: http://www.defenselink.mil/

U.S. Central Command: http://www.centcom.mil/

Copyright © 2003. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.