The feared counterattack never came and the Marines held their ground .
The long night dragged on , but lacking central direction , the Japanese were unable to coordinate for a counterattack against the toehold the Marines held on the island .
The feared counterattack never came and the Marines held Marines ' ground .
The long night dragged on , but lacking central direction , the Japanese were unable to coordinate for a counterattack against the toehold the Marines held on the island .