https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030431/1918-05-09/ed-1/seq-1/

An Egyptian-born recruit voluntarily has a finger cutoff in order to join the war effort. Once the digit is removed with cocaine as a local anesthetic, he is passed fit by the recruiting doctor. The Railroad Wage Commission recommends an increase in wages upto 43%. 

Source: "Gives Finger To Go To  War," The Sun, New York, New York, May 9, 1918. Page 1, Column 4.