CBC News has learned that the United States army has approved the awarding of the Bronze Star to the four Canadian soldiers killed by a U.S. bomb in Afghanistan.

The Bronze Star can be awarded for heroism or meritorious service.

Sgt. Marc Leger, Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer, Pte. Richard Green and Pte. Nathan Smith were killed in a "friendly fire" accident in April of last year.

The Bronze Star

Eight other soldiers were injured in the incident.

Military officials at the Pentagon say the medals and certificates were sent to the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa in January, but the Department of Foreign Affairs says it has not been formally contacted by American officials.

The protocol for awarding the medals would see a committee of the chancellery, under the Governor General, have the final say whether the soldiers would receive the U.S. military honour posthumously.