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                                                                       EXHIBIT 5

                [HOUSLEY, KANTARIAN & BRONSTEIN, P.C. LETTERHEAD]












                                December 31, 1996




Board of Directors
HCB Bancshares, Inc.
237 Jackson Street
Camden, Arkansas 71701

         RE:      Registration Statement on Form SB-2

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         You have requested our opinion as special counsel to HCB Bancshares,
Inc. (the "Corporation") in connection with the Registration Statement on Form
SB-2 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Registration Statement"). The
Registration Statement relates to shares of common stock of the Corporation (the
"Common Stock") to be issued in connection with the simultaneous conversion of
Heartland Community Bank from mutual to stock form and reorganization into the
holding company form of ownership as a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Corporation (the "Conversion").

         In rendering this opinion, we understand that the Common Stock will be
offered and sold in the manner described in the Prospectus which is a part of
the Registration Statement. We have examined such records and documents and made
such examination as we have deemed relevant in connection with this opinion.

         Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that the shares of Common
Stock will, when issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement,
be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to us in the Prospectus under the
heading "Legal Matters."

                                    HOUSLEY KANTARIAN & BRONSTEIN, P.C.


                                    By: /s/ Leonard S. Volin
                                        _____________________
                                          Leonard S. Volin